The state Board of Education approved Tuesday the appointment of Brad Bennett as the superintendent for the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area.
The state Board of Education approved Tuesday the appointment of Brad Bennett as the superintendent for the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area.
Most recently serving as principal of Waiakeawaena Elementary for two years, Bennett takes over for Valerie Takata, who will retire June 30.
Bennett also served as principal of Haaheo Elementary and vice principal of Ewa Elementary. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and earned his bachelor’s degree in Asian-Pacific history and master’s degree in special education from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
The BOE also appointed a replacement for a retiring superintendent for the Castle-Kahuku Complex Area.
“We will miss these leaders who have given so much of themselves to education and serving Hawaii’s keiki,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “Personally, I have learned from each of them and am grateful for their unwavering dedication to public education.”
Takata’s Department of Education career spans 39 years, having served as Hawaii District superintendent and deputy district superintendent. She was the principal of Keonepoko Elementary and vice principal at Honokaa Elementary and High, and Pahoa High.
She is a former national distinguished principal and also served as district language arts resource teacher for East Hawaii. She taught English and language arts on Hawaii Island and Oahu.