Senate Committee confirms Deanna DeOlier as nominee for Hawaii Teachers Standards Board

The Senate Committee on Education convened on April 4, 2025, to discuss key appointments and gather public testimony. The meeting, held in Hearing Room 229, was streamed live, allowing remote participation.

The primary focus of the session was the consideration of gubernatorial nominee Deanna DeOlier for the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board. Her term is set to expire on June 30, 2027. The committee heard testimony in support of her nomination, although not all expected testifiers were present. Phil Bossert from the Association of Independent Schools submitted written testimony backing DeOlier but was absent from the meeting.

The superintendent of the department also expressed support for DeOlier's nomination, indicating that the department would submit formal testimony. The committee emphasized the importance of keeping the hearing orderly, limiting each testifier to one minute to ensure all voices could be heard.

As the meeting progressed, DeOlier was invited to provide her own testimony, where she expressed confidence in her qualifications for the role. The committee's discussions and decisions during this meeting are crucial for shaping educational standards in Hawaii, particularly with the upcoming term for the new board member.

The committee plans to reconvene on April 7, 2025, should any technical issues arise during the current session. Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance educational governance in the state.