"The panel and I welcome Dr. DuPuis as the ... new executive director," said panel chairman Alvin Parker. "Her experience as an education advocate for Hawai'i's keiki gives her a strong basis to work from in helping Hawai'i's charter schools advance."

DuPuis brings to the job a deep commitment to the success of Hawai'i's charter schools and two decades of experience in education and advocacy, Parker said. She has administered educational programs and initiatives for OHA, Kamehameha Schools, Alu Like, Good Beginnings Alliance and at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa and also has taught at the university level.

DuPuis will be responsible for the organization, operation and management of the charter school administrative office that supports and provides guidance to Hawai'i's public charter school system. The system is made up of 28 schools on five islands with two additional charter schools authorized to begin operation in school year 2008-09.