Ka‘awa, Cagasan: New Po‘o Kumu at Kamehameha Maui

Lance Cagasan (left) and Jay-R Ka’awa (right). Courtesy photos.

By Wendy Osher

Kamehameha Schools Maui has selected new po’o kumu or principals for two high school programs.

Jay-R Ka‘awa the new po‘o kumu or principal for the school’s High School Academies  that includes grades 11 and 12; and Lance Cagasan was named new po‘o kumu for the High School Foundation Program that covers grades 9 and 10.

Both begin their new roles today.

The announcement was made today by the po‘o kula or headmaster, Lee Ann Delima.

“Individually they represent and work with the heart of Pauahi’s timeless mission at the forefront of all they do,” said Delima.  “Together, they have demonstrated a unique cohesiveness that bolsters and bonds students and staff to reach meaningful goals and extend themselves to higher peaks.”

The co-principal model of governance is being formalized for the high school following the completion of a two-year pilot program that shifts away from the conventional one-principal structure.

School administrators say the new structure allows principals to respond more efficiently to teachers, parents, and students, effectively increasing time for instructional leadership responsibilities.

About Jay-R Ka‘awa:

Ka‘awa has been at KS Maui for seven years as the High School hope po‘o kumu or vice principal, and interim po‘o kumu of the High School Academies.

Prior to her service at KS Maui, Ka‘awa served as a teacher and hope po‘o kumu at Moloka‘i High and Intermediate School.

Ka‘awa earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Biology and Secondary Education and Masters of Secondary Education at Southern Utah University before getting her Educational Administration Certification from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

“I am so humbled by the opportunity to serve as po‘o kumu o ke kula ki‘eki‘e,” said Ka‘awa. “The faculty and staff here at ‘A‘apueo are dedicated individuals that embrace the vision of our Ke Ali‘i Pauahi and the mission of Kamehameha Schools, it is an honor to work alongside these wonderful individuals.”

“Our haumāna energize me daily, they carry the spirit of our ali‘i and kūpuna in them. Because of this, I am continuously inspired to ensure excellent educational opportunities are readily available to them and generations to come. E holomua kākou me ka pono o Ke Akua,” said Ka‘awa.

About Lance Cagasan:

Cagasan has been at KS Maui for the past 13 years, most recently serving as the interim po‘o kumu of grades 9 and 10, where he oversaw the academic program and athletic programs.  He was also the high school hope po‘o kumu, the first KS Maui Middle School grade 6 teacher, and the KS Maui High School Varsity Basketball Coach.

Cagasan earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from UH-Hilo; received a professional diploma from UH-Mānoa; and earned a Masters in Education from Chaminade University.

“I am quite humbled to be called on to serve as the 9-10 principal of Kamehameha Schools Maui,” said Cagasan.

“I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to continue to serve an honorable mission,” he said.