The Hawai’i State Charter School Commission is pleased to announce the hiring of its new Executive Director, Sione Thompson. Mr. Thompson comes to the Commission with experience in school administration and management, most recently with the University of Hawai’i-West O’ahu. Mr. Thompson notably served as principal at St. Louis High School. He began his 10-year career at St. Louis as a social sciences teacher and worked his way up the ranks to dean of students, vice principal and then principal. He is a graduate of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa where he received his B.S. in sociology and his Masters of Education.

State Public Charter School Commission Chairperson Catherine Payne said, “We are eager to share Mr. Thompson’s enthusiasm and commitment to high quality education with our charter schools. We look forward to the contributions he will make to the public school system.”

The Executive Director will work with the Commission and charter schools to reach new levels of achievement and success. “Hawaii public charter schools are integral to the overall success of our state's educational objectives. I look forward to the work ahead in developing relationships with our charter schools, communities, and stakeholders as we work together in providing high quality education to our keiki,” Thompson said.

There are more than 10,000 students enrolled in 34 public charter schools throughout the state. Hawaii charter schools have been a source of innovation and community engagement in learning. Mr. Thompson will continue the progress Hawaii’s charter school system has made since the Hawaii State Legislature passed Act 130 of 2012, which redefined the governance of charter schools in Hawaii and created the Commission.

Thompson was born and raised in Hawai’i, growing up in Nu’uanu. He is a graduate of St. Louis High School. Thompson and his wife Dawn Lehua Thompson have been married for 10 years and have four daughters.