Lea Albert, Complex Area Superintendent for Castle and Kahuku, recently announced that Donna Lindsey [pictured at left] has been appointed as the new principal of Kahuku High & Intermediate School. Lindsey succeeds Lisa DeLong, who has been named Complex Area Superintendent for Waianae and Nanakuli.

"Ms. Lindsey has served in the DOE since 1989," Albert wrote in the September 10 announcement. "She has worked as a teacher and administrator in the Kahuku Complex for over 10 years. Her experience as a teacher includes service as the Chapter One coordinator for three years at Kahuku Elementary, as a counselor and CSAP teacher at Molokai High and as a Title I Resource Teacher for the Windward District."

"Additionally she has served as the vice-principal of Kahuku High for two years, acting principal at Kahuku Elementary, Sunset Beach Elementary and King Intermediate, the Kahuku Complex School Renewal Specialist for two years and is currently the Complex Academic Officer for Hauula and Kahuku High and Intermediate where she provides leadership and intensive support for school improvement. Ms. Lindsey did her administrative training as the vice-principal at Kalaheo High School and also stepped in as acting vice-principal at Kailua High School"

Albert also noted that Lindsey earned a BS degree in elementary education from BYU-Hawaii in 1989, and went on to earn a master's degree in educational administration from UH-Manoa.

"Please give a warm aloha and Windward welcome to Ms. Lindsey in her new role as Kahuku's principal," Albert continued. "Her commitment in this role is based on a deep love and dedication to all things Kahuku and to continuing the tradition of excellence at the school for the people of Koolauloa."

Lindsey is a Hauula resident whose parents — Stemo and Mary Jean [Augustin] Lindsey both graduated from Kahuku, as did her grandparents, Andres and Jessie Augustin. In addition, her grandmother Jessie served as a special education and substitute teacher at Kahuku for many years.

Lindsey started at Kahuku Elementary School before the new campus was built, then moved to the Big Island. She later returned to Koolauloa to study at BYU-Hawaii, and did her student teaching at Kahuku Elementary.

"I consider Kahuku my home," said Lindsey, who has a lot of family in Koolauloa. "Lisa DeLong was a fabulous mentor. This is where I had my first administrative position. I know the people and I love the kids."

Lindsey added she's also glad to get the Kahuku appointment. "There's a lot of connection and I find it very refreshing. We have strong community support, of course pride, and participation. I've been going to Kahuku graduations for years, and people who have seen it for the first time, they just say it's really different. They're impressed with our spirit."

For example, she said when she did her training at Kalaheo High, "it was nothing like here. We hardly had any kids at the dances, but this place, I think we've limited them to 10. We were lucky at Kalaheo if we had three a year, and no one showed up." She said she's also impressed with all the achievements in sports, academics, scholarships and other honors. "Our data also show that we don't have a high amount of discipline or suspension problems."

Lindsey explained the school is working with the DOE to meet state benchmark standards, and is also working with student government "to get them more involved in decision making. There are a lot of things we're looking at, such as attendance and party procedures: What do the kids feel about that?"

She stressed she has an open-door policy for students, and wants them "to continue to set high goals for themselves. That's really important. I also think it's important that they talk to an adult as soon as possible if they have a problem."

She thanked the parents "for supporting the school for so many years, and for sending us such respectful and ambitious students. Their behavior in school is a reflection of their values and expectations at home. I appreciate that."

"We've always had a lot of scholarships, but with the onset of programs in the community, I see that parents have been really receptive to putting education first and putting more effort into prepping the kids."

Lindsey then asked if the parents could get involved in the School Community Council, which will hold a meeting on October 14 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria.

"I feel honored and privileged to be here," Lindsey said. "I'm really here to serve, not only the students and teachers, but also the community."

In her announcement, Albert added, "A note of tremendous gratitude must also be written to acknowledge the great work done by Patricia Macadangdang as Kahuku High's acting principal. She has met this challenge with an open heart and mind as well as a willingness to learn that has enriched both the school and the community."

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