Volunteer boards oversee the academics and finances of Hawaiʻi charter schools. But the state has limited influence over who serves on those boards or how they hold schools accountable.

Hawaiʻi’s charter schools pledged to improve public education through more innovation and family engagement. Three decades later, they’ve gained momentum but still lag in some traditional measures of success.

Three men are seeking to lead one of the country’s largest charitable trusts.

Hawaiʻi’s public schools have improved teacher retention and reduced vacancy rates since the Covid-19 pandemic, but are relying heavily on emergency hires.

The Hawaiʻi DOE offers at least $10,000 to special education teachers to fill open positions, but most schools have reported worsening shortages.

It’s unclear how well-equipped other state and federal departments are to take over the Education Department’s responsibilities. 

DOE has recently stepped up its oversight of high school sports, but parents say they want more information on how female athletes are treated.

Schools have fewer bus drivers than before the Covid-19 pandemic, but statewide costs for student transportation have increased.

A parent’s complaint after a class conversation about Charlie Kirk highlights the larger challenges schools face in teaching government and current events.

DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi also could see his salary rise up to $400,900 by the end of the decade if he continues to get good performance reviews.