Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission Executive Director Sione Thompson is stepping down after serving for 3-½ years. Thompson will be heading to the Department of Education as the Nānākuli-Waiʻanae Complex Area Superintendent (CAS) starting July 1, 2020. For the remainder of this school year he will be Deputy CAS, as current CAS Ann Mahi will be retiring at the end of the school year.

As Executive Director, Thompson made it a priority of the Commission to build a system around school improvement and support for the public charter school system. This priority was incorporated into the first strategic plan for the Commission which led to a structural and conceptual reorganization of the Commission office. Thompson helped develop pathways to increase capacities of charter schools around the four pillars of governance, leadership, instruction and community. Thompson focused on improving the communication and relationships between the Commission and charter school governing boards and leaders. He also led the charge with the Governor’s office and State legislature in securing state funding to sustain 18 Pre-K classrooms previously funded by the federal Preschool Development Grant.

Thompson said, “I am also grateful for the many community partners that I have developed relationships with professionally and personally. I am excited for the Commission and charter community to continue the great work in carrying forward the mission of public schools of choice.”

Thompson joined the Commission in August of 2016. His last day is Thursday, February 20, 2020. At its February General Business meeting, the Commission accepted Thompson’s resignation and appointed Yvonne Lau, Deputy Director as the interim Executive Director.

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