The Governing Board of Kanu o ka ‘Āina New Century Public Charter School announces the appointments of Kanoa Castro and Keomailani Case into two new leadership positions. Castro will serve as Upper Division Kauhale Interim Principal and Case as Lower Division Kauhale Interim Principal. Both are veteran educators at the school. The appointments are effective June 1, 2020.
Castro and Case are exemplary educators and community leaders. Together, they will maximize their strengths to lead Kanu on a forward trajectory with a focus on innovation and place- and culture-based learning.
Castro began his teaching career with Kanu in 2007. Raised in Waimea, he was instrumental in bringing the Estria Foundation and Mele Murals together with students from all Waimea Schools to create the beautiful mural that graces the walls of Kahilu Theatre. He is also a founding advisor of the Ke Ea Statewide Charter School Student Leadership Council and is an active supporter of the Hawaiian immersion education movement in the Waimea community. Castro holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership focused on Hawaii Cultural Awareness that balances culturally sensitive approaches to leadership with the latest in education theory and technology.
Waimea born and raised, Case is a graduate of Kanu o ka ‘Āina and is currently positioned to complete her Doctorate of Education from Concordia University in Leadership in Innovation & Continuous Improvement. Case is the epitome of the ideal Kanu product truly living its mission of Kūlia i ka nu‘u, strive to reach your highest. She joined the teaching staff in 2004.
A lifelong teacher and curriculum developer with a master’s degree focus on culturally relevant place-based education, she is able to make her instruction come alive through project-based learning.
With their deep academic and professional expertise, Castro and Case will establish a critical new foundation of leadership as the school navigates rapid change and continues to advance Hawaiian cultural place-based education.
They join current Leadership Team Members Nicole Ryan, Ka Oha online program Interim Principal, and Taffi Wise Chief Business Officer. This synergistic team of four aims to position the school at the forefront of educational innovation and practice to benefit the children and families they serve grounded in the wisdom of their ancestors.
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