BOE may fill superintendent position

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The state Board of Education will consider appointing a superintendent for the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area at its next general business meeting, set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in Honolulu, according to a meeting agenda issued Friday.

The agenda also calls for an executive session to allow for discussion on the matter.

Former Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area Superintendent Brad Bennett was placed on “department directed leave” Dec. 22, 2017.

At that time, the state Department of Education said it was investigating a complaint made against him but did not provide specifics about the complaint or the nature of the investigation.

In August 2018, the DOE confirmed that Bennett was no longer employed with the department, but provided no further information about the nature of his departure, the investigation or its findings.

Chad Keone Farias, superintendent of the Ka‘u-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area, also has served as the Hilo-Waiakea Complex Area superintendent in the interim.

A DOE spokeswoman declined to say who is being considered for the position, adding the department would not comment further until the information is presented to board members for action.