Board chairman Breene Harimoto described Ajifu as a dedicated member who loved education and served as a true advocate for Hawai'i's public schools and students.

"Her clear focus on student achievement, institutional knowledge and extensive background as a former educator added perspective to board discussions and kept the board focused on sound and doable educational improvement," he said.

Before being elected to an O'ahu at-large seat on the board in 1998, Ajifu spent 36 years in the Department of Education as a teacher, counselor and principal.

She was an administrator at Moanalua, Salt Lake, Nimitz, Iliahi and Hickam elementary schools, and a counselor at Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate Schools. She also taught at 'Ewa Beach and Wai'anae elementary schools.

"Having 'walked the walk,' Shannon was aware of the realm of possibilities in improving public education and understood the challenges and experiences of educators in raising student achievement," said the board's second vice chairman Herbert Watanabe.

While on the board, Ajifu served as vice chairman of the budget and fiscal accountability committee and chair of collective bargaining unit 6 (Hawaii Government Employees Association).

"Her contributions to board deliberations made for many spirited and well-rounded board discussions on educational policy-making," said board member Mary Cochran.

Ajifu is survived by husband Shoyei Ajifu; son Lee; and daughter Beth Yos.