Posted at 3:17 a.m., Sunday, October 7, 2007
4 named to Department of Education Leadership Team
Advertiser Staff
Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto recently filled four positions on the Department of Education's Leadership Team that were vacant due to retirements. The veteran educators, including one who changed seats on the Leadership Team and three new members, were nominated by the superintendent and confirmed by the Board of Education.
"Each of these professional educators has solid credentials and leadership experiences that will enhance the fulfillment of their current positions," Hamamoto said. "I welcome them to the team, and thank them for their continuing commitment and service to the students and staff of Hawaii's schools."
Named to the team were:
iDANIEL HAMADA, assistant superintendent, Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Support.
Hamada, already a longtime member of the Leadership Team, has moved to the state office after serving as the complex area superintendent for all Kauai schools (1999-2007). Prior to being a CAS, he was principal at Eleele Elementary School (1993-99) and acting principal at Kekaha Elementary School (1993). He served as vice principal at Kapaa High & Intermediate School (1989-93), counselor at Kapaa Elementary School (1986-89), and acting vice principal at Kapaa Elementary School (1984-86). Hamada was recognized as Hawaii's state elementary school principal of the year in 1998, and vice principal of the year in 1993. Hamada also taught at Kapaa Elementary School (1983-84) and Wilcox Elementary School (1976-83). He has his bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Adams State College (Colorado), and his master's degree in educational administration from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The BOE confirmed his appointment on June 7.
iWILLIAM ARAKAKI, complex area superintendent (Kapaa, Kauai, and Waimea complexes), Kauai Administrative District
Before stepping in to fill Hamada's shoes, Arakaki served as principal of Waimea High School (1999-2007), which also oversaw Niihau School. He was vice principal at Kapaa Middle School (1996-99), Kapaa High School ( 1993-96), Wilcox Elementary School (1992-93, administrative trainee), and Kauai High School (1990-92, acting). Arakaki was a teacher at Kauai High School's alternative learning center (1988-90), Waipahu High School (1980-88), and Kailua High School (1979-80). He has his bachelor's degree in education and education administrative certificate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The BOE confirmed his appointment on Aug. 2.
iBRUCE ANDERSON, complex area superintendent (Baldwin, Kekaulike, and Maui complexes), Maui Administrative District
Anderson was most recently a school renewal specialist for the King Kekaulike Complex (2002-07). Prior to that he was principal of Makawao Elementary School (1994-2002), vice principal of Wailuku Elementary School (1991-1994), and an administrative trainee at Baldwin High School (1990-91). He was a teacher at Makawao Elementary School (1989-90) and Paia Elementary School (1982-89). Anderson has his bachelor's degree in U.S. history and elementary teaching certificate from the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and his master's degree in educational administration from UH-Manoa. The BOE confirmed his appointment on Aug. 2.
iTERI USHIJIMA, ED.D., complex area superintendent (Aiea, Moanalua, and Radford complexes), Central Administrative District
Before becoming the newest member of the Leadership Team, Dr. Ushijima was principal of Mokulele Elementary School (2005-07), and was Hawaii's recipient of the 2006 National Milken Educator Award. She was vice principal at Moanalua High School (2000-2005), where she also served as summer school director (2001). Dr. Ushijima taught at Mililani Mauka Elementary School (1996-2000, and as a substitute in 2002), Mokulele Elementary School (1990-96), Leihoku Elementary School (1988-90), and Honowai Elementary School (1987-1988). She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education and her master of education degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and her doctor of education degree from the University of Southern California. The BOE confirmed Dr. Ushijima's appointment on Sept. 6
