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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Panel votes against closing Big Isle school

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Education Writer

A Big Island charter school must move its middle school campus but probably won't be closed down for problems cited in a recent audit.

A Board of Education panel yesterday voted unanimously not to push for revocation of the charter for the Na Wai Ola Waters of Life school in Puna. The decision is subject to approval by the full board tomorrow.

"I'm ecstatic," said school math teacher Julie Remington. "I'm excited to see where the school is going to move and how it will grow up."

A state audit released last month documented a history of management problems at the school, and also said that state oversight mechanisms for charter schools are defective.

Waters of Life administrator Katheryn Crayton-Shay, who has headed the school for six months, said the problems are being addressed.

A lawsuit filed by neighbors is forcing the school to move its administrative offices off a farm it owns in Kurtistown, she said.

More than 180 students are enrolled in Waters of Life, and classes are held at three locations. Health concerns had been raised about a plan to open a mortuary in a separate part of the building where middle school classes are held. The tentative agreement with the Board of Education requires the school to move. The deal also requires the school to file quarterly financial and academic reports and continue paying off almost $200,000 in debt.

The school is looking for a permanent location to house all classes, but the number of sites with the proper zoning is limited, Crayton-Shay said.

Yesterday, several students praised the school.

"The teachers give us hands-on help when we need it, I have friends and there are no fights," said junior Chioke Mims, 17.