Keith Hayashi assumed office as interim superintendent of Hawaii’s state department of education on Aug. 1. The Hawaii State Board of Education in June appointed Hayashi to serve as the interim superintendent, after outgoing superintendent Christina Kishimoto announced she would not seek a contract renewal. Hayashi will serve in the role until the Board selects a permanent replacement.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected to lead our public school system during this transition,” Hayashi said in a statement released by the Department of Education. “This is such a critical time for the Department and I am committed to connecting with our schools, complex areas and state office leaders to ensure that we are well prepared for the upcoming school year.”
At the time he was appointed, Hayashi was the principal of Waipahu High School, a position he had held since 2009. This is Hayashi’s second time serving as interim state superintendent; he previously held the interim role in July 2017, before the Board appointed Christina Kishimoto to the position. Hayashi also served as interim deputy state superintendent from March to June 2017.
