BOE rates School Superintendent as 'Exceeds Expectations' in 2014

Board of Education notes Kathryn Matayoshi "continues to perform well by increasing departmental transparency, accountability and executing our joint strategic plan initiatives."

News release from Hawaii DoE 21-Oct-2014

HONOLULU – Praising her “superior organizational leadership skills,” the Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) today announced it has given Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi a 2014 overall rating of “Exceeds Expectations.”

“The overall performance grade is ‘Exceeds Expectations,’ which is one step below the prior year. The grade change reflects the increased bar of expectations and goals,” stated BOE Chairman Don Horner. “Ms. Matayoshi continues to perform well by increasing departmental transparency, accountability and executing our joint strategic plan initiatives. We have made exceptional progress under her leadership. However, much work remains to be done and effective communication with all stakeholders will be critical as we continue to move forward together.”

In her 2013 evaluation Matayoshi was rated as “Exceptional.” The overall rating is based on the evaluation of the Superintendent’s overall management abilities and attainment of performance objectives and program accomplishments. The evaluation has been posted here​.

The Board noted the forward movement of the Department despite the hiring and funding challenges; and highlighted Matayoshi’s tremendous efforts in building stronger partnerships in areas that are critical to student success.

“This has been a very challenging year for the Department and I appreciate that the Board recognizes the progress in our strategic reforms,” Matayoshi told the Board. “We set very high goals and we still have work to do in reaching our targets. The results show that our teachers and students are performing well and that we are making transformative change for the future of public education in Hawaii with the help of community partners.”

Matayoshi was named Superintendent in September 2010. In June 2014, the BOE re-appointed Matayoshi to serve another three years. The BOE/DOE Joint Strategic Plan focuses on three main goals: Student Success, Staff Success and Successful Systems of Support. The BOE monitors the DOE’s progress through its aligned committees (Student Achievement, Human Resources, Finance and Infrastructure) to increase both accountability and efficiency.