Maui Superintendent to Become Maui High School Principal

Bruce Anderson. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

After five years as Maui area superintendent for the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Maui complex, Bruce Anderson, will transition away from the post and take on a new role as principal at Maui High School.

During an interview today, Anderson said his decision was based on passion and opportunity.  “I wanted to work with kids again.  Most of the good things that happen in the department happens in the schools with the students and teachers,” he said.

The timeline for the move was unclear, but Anderson said he is working on a transition plan to assure a smooth transition within the superintendent’s office.

Anderson will fill the post created by the retirement of longtime Maui High principal Randy Yamanuha in June.

Maui High School Vice Principal, Desiree Anderson (no relation to Bruce Anderson) has been serving as Interim Principal since Yamanuha’s retirement.

Prior to Bruce Anderson’s role as area superintendent, he served four years as school renewal specialist at the King Kekaulike complex, and eight years as principal at Makawao school.

On another note, Anderson said a principal has also been selected for the new Pu’u Kukui Elementary School in Wailuku.  Anderson said Chad Okamoto, the current principal at Pukalani Elementary School, was selected for the post. The $37.1 million Pu’u Kukui Elementary School is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in the 2013-2014 school year.