Waipahu’s Hayashi Earns State Honor

Keith Hayashi

Waipahu High School principal Keith Hayashi has been named one of the state’s two Principals of the Year, sharing the honor with Mililani Middle School principal Elynne Chung.

Both were recognized earlier this month at a Hawaii Association of Secondary School Administrators awards banquet at Hale Koa Hotel.

Hayashi has led Waipahu since 2009, and during his tenure he has focused on preparing students for college and future careers. Among the results: reading proficiency among sophomores rose from 58 percent (in 2011) to 69 percent (in 2013); math proficiency rose from 26 percent to 47 percent during that period.

The number of students attending college after graduation, meanwhile, also rose from 49 percent to 58 percent.

“Our successes at Waipahu High are a result of the collaborative efforts among our caring and committed faculty and staff, motivated students, supportive industry, community, post-secondary partners, coordinated efforts between the Waipahu Complex Schools and dialogue within the Hawaii Academies Schools,” stated Hayashi.

“Our career pathway academies, combined with Early College make it an exciting time at Waipahu High.”

The award recognizes secondary school leaders for their professional growth, collaborative leadership, advancements in curriculum, instruction and assessment and personalization of learning.

Hayashi and Chung will fly to Washington, D.C., in September to represent the state at the National Association of Secondary School Principals Institute, where they will discuss educational practices and policies with other national leaders and lawmakers.