Search for Kamehameha Schools Maui Poʻo Kula Begins

Kamehameha Schools Maui – Pukalani campus. Courtesy photo.

Kamehameha Schools Maui announced today it will begin its search for a new Poʻo Kula or Head of School. The School recently lost its longtime campus leader, Lee Ann DeLima to illness in November.

“Mrs. DeLima embodied the values of excellence, responsibility, service, compassion, and aloha over the past decade as the Maui campus Poʻo Kula,” said Dr. Rod Chamberlain, ke poʻo o nā kula (head of schools) in a statement. “The next poʻo should understand that this aspect of the leader’s role is vitally important to the KS Maui school community,” he said.

School administrators say the campus’ next leader will provide strategic direction and leadership, in collaboration with KS Maui leadership team, in core academic disciplines as well as programs in leadership, moral development, arts, athletics and Hawaiian culture that result in student excellence.

“To effectively enhance access to educational opportunities and programs across the state, the new poʻo kula will work closely with KS-wide leadership to actively participate in the deployment of the organization’s strategic plan and education programs which will extend and strengthen KS’ reach to beneficiaries,” said Executive Vice President for Education, Dr. Holoua Stender in a statement. “Ultimately, the new head of school must genuinely love educating and serving Hawaiian keiki, ʻōpio and ʻohana and truly appreciate and advocate for our culture,” said Dr. Stender.

KS Maui is home to 27 of the 67 total number of KS teachers who are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. To build upon the strength of such a robust teaching staff, administrators say “KSM’s new leader will need to recognize, strengthen and support faculty and staff personal/professional growth by enhancing the strong learning environment through professional, technical and leadership development.”

“The new Head of School will have the opportunity to work with a talented administrative team at both the school level and throughout the Kamehameha Schools system,” said Chamberlain. “Maui’s faculty is a dedicated and talented group, passionate about their students’ success. The ability of the next poʻo kula to personally connect with teachers and staff as well as build on the teaming across the different parts of the school will be essential in moving KS Maui forward.”

To apply, applicants should submit the following by Friday, Feb. 5, 2016:

• A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position.
• A current résumé.
• A statement of educational philosophy and/or other supporting material (e.g. articles or speeches not to exceed ten pages) that would be useful to the Search Committee.
• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (KS will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.)

After an initial review of applicants, the Search Review Committee will select candidates to be interviewed during Feb. 15-18, 2016 at the Kamehameha Maui Campus. School administrators say, ideally, a final selection will be made no later than mid-March. Kamehameha Schools will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process.

Applicants are able to view a detailed Opportunity Statement and apply at online at this LINK.

To expedite the search and application process, applicants should enter the six-digit requisition number, 016102 in the “Search by Requisition Number” field and click search. After they’ve reviewed the position information and wish to apply, they should then click on the “Apply Now” button and they will be taken through the online application process.

Questions and comments can be directed to: Dr. Rod Chamberlain, Ke Poʻo o Nā Kula, Head of Schools at (808) 534-8113.

Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

The school operates a statewide educational system with an enrollment of more than 6,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi and 30 preschool sites statewide.

More than 41,000 additional Hawaiian learners and their caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools’ outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities.