The Office of Hawaiian Affairs recently awarded a $1.5 million emergency funding grant to Waimea-based Na Lei Na‘auao — Alliance for Native Hawaiian Education to address budgetary shortfalls for the 17 participating Hawaiian-focused public charter schools for the 2014-15 school
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs recently awarded a $1.5 million emergency funding grant to Waimea-based Na Lei Na‘auao — Alliance for Native Hawaiian Education to address budgetary shortfalls for the 17 participating Hawaiian-focused public charter schools for the 2014-15 school year.
Program Coordinator Kai‘ulani Pahi‘o said NLN is grateful for OHA’s continued commitment to support these unique values-based models of education.
“Our schools’ successes validate NLN’s capacity to design and control the process of education dedicated to perpetuating Hawaii’s language, culture and traditions,” she said. “The process helps the native learning communities honor the past, address the present and serve the future.”
The state Department of Education funds charter schools based on a per-pupil formula, but falls short of full compensation. Charter schools may not use DOE funds for facility costs (leasing and maintenance expenses) or food services. NLN schools rely on the generosity of OHA and other organizations to help bridge funding gaps.
“We are grateful and proud to report that OHA funding supports the hiring of certified educators who are fluent in Hawaiian and effective in delivering learning experiences that help realize the school’s vision and mission: No ‘Ane‘i Ko Kakou Ola,” said Kaleihoku Kala‘i-Aguiar of Ke Kula ‘o Nawahiokalaniopu‘u in Keaau.
OHA has supported more than 4,200 students at 17 participating Hawaiian-focused public charter schools with enrollments that are of 91 percent Hawaiian ancestry. These schools are located on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and the Big Island.
