The state Board of Education on Thursday appointed Waipahu High School Principal Keith Hayashi interim superintendent.
He will begin in the role no later than Aug. 1 and will replace Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, whose contract runs through July.
Kishimoto, who was tapped to lead the state Department of Education nearly four years, ago announced in March that she would not seek to renew her contract.
Hayashi, 56, has led elementary, middle and high schools, served as a complex area superintendent as well as interim deputy superintendent and interim superintendent during the last transition.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected to lead our public school system during this transition,” Hayashi said in a Zoom call with reporters Thursday afternoon. This is such a critical time for the department and I am committed to connecting with our schools, complex areas and state office leaders to ensure that we are well prepared for the upcoming school year.”
Until he is officially in the interim position, Hayashi said he will continue his principal duties.
Hayashi said, too, that he’s interested in applying for the permanent superintendent position.