Aloha mai kakou to the good people in the learning community of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School. We hope this message finds you in good health and happiness as we move swiftly through the month of January.

We started the application process last February and have enjoyed two visits from the Hawai’i Charter School Renewal Team to our campus since then. On December 15th we sent to the Hawai’i Charter Commission our completed application and then our opportunity to present to the Hawai’i State Commissioners was scheduled.

Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School decided to present to the Hawai’i State Commissioners in-person as opposed to the virtual option that was offered. On Wednesday, January 11th our school sent a delegation of sixteen people that represented students, staff, parents, and Board Members to Honolulu for our scheduled meeting to tell in a personal format about Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School.

We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation to Team Ko (three learners), Team Alakoko Fish Pond (six learners), Ms. Kate, Ms. Kelly Ann, and four members of our Board of Directors for their gifts of time, plus great effort in being part of our delegation that presented to the Hawai’i State Commissioners. They all did an outstanding job and clearly impressed the people in attendance as verified by the outcome of the presentation.

The state of Hawai’i Charter School Commissioners unanimously approved another five year charter contract for Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School starting on July 1st, 2023 which is the expiration day for our current contract. Additionally the state of Hawai’i Charter School Commissioners unanimously conditionally approved the amendment for Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School to add Grade Seven for the 2023-2024 school year and Grade Eight for the 2024-2025 school year. The condition that needs to be addressed is a full scope and sequence for Middle School be returned back to the Hawai’i Charter Commission. Our school has already commenced this process and will present the scope and sequence to our Board of Directors at our next public Board Meeting on Monday, January 23rd.

This incredible news could not have been possible without the vision of countless people who turned the dream of a high quality free public education into a reality. There are far too many of you to mention but please do know that your work was not in vain and is profoundly appreciated.

Best wishes to you all for a terrific 2023 and we appreciate your assistance in helping us to get off to a historic start with this outstanding charter contract update.