The Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) is reconsidering its strategy regarding declining student enrollment by prioritizing “district optimization” rather than immediate school closures. This shift follows extensive discussions with communities and stakeholders about the implications of potential school consolidations and the importance of maintaining school identities.
Hawaii’s public school system has faced significant enrollment declines, losing thousands of students over the past decade due to falling birth rates and families relocating. Current enrollment stands at just under 160,000 students, with projections indicating a continued decline through the end of the decade. Rural areas like Lanai, Molokai, Hana, and West Maui may see student populations drop by as much as 25 percent. In contrast, rapidly growing regions such as Ewa and Kapolei on Oahu experience overcrowding due to new housing developments.
Elizabeth Higashi, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance, highlighted that the disparities in enrollment across districts necessitate redistricting as a viable first step. Adjusting school attendance boundaries could help balance student populations, alleviate overcrowding, and increase utilization in underfilled campuses. Some complex areas have already begun experimenting with boundary changes to adapt to these demographic shifts.
Before the Board of Education meeting, Higashi noted that the department had engaged with all fifteen complex area principal groups, as well as leaders and staff involved in previous consolidation studies, to gather feedback on potential changes. She stated, “We had previously proposed a methodology to identify clusters of schools to be studied for potential consolidation by examining the utilization of a school based on their official enrollment count and facility capacity.”
Concerns about the perception of consolidation studies were voiced by stakeholders who expressed deep emotional ties to their schools. Higashi acknowledged this sentiment, stressing the department’s plan to amend its methodology to include a qualitative component. This adjustment will allow school communities to share their unique stories—such as efforts by principals to promote attendance through home visits—before any recommendations are finalized.
Stakeholders also emphasized the need for adequate time to explore alternatives to consolidation. Many voiced the opinion that school closures should be a last resort, advocating for community discussions on options such as reconfiguration or redistricting to equalize enrollment. Higashi responded to this feedback by extending the timeline for consolidation discussions, allowing communities more time to evaluate their options and adjust methodologies.
According to a department report, total enrollment in DOE and charter schools was over 181,000 students in the 2004-2005 school year, peaking at more than 185,000 in 2013-2014. As of the current 2024-2025 academic year, enrollment has decreased to 165,340, with 152,270 attending DOE schools. The revised DOE timeline outlines that planning and implementation for redistricting will proceed through September 2026, with anticipated changes for the 2026-27 school year.
From April to October 2027, schools will be identified for potential consolidation studies, followed by the superintendent’s recommendations, public hearings, and Board decisions. The first transition year for any consolidated schools could begin as early as July 2028.
State Representative Julie Reyes Oda (R, Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point) emphasized the need for equitable access to education, pointing out overcrowding in special education classrooms in parts of Ewa. Her office manager, Robert Allen, remarked that Reyes had to send her own son to a central district school to secure adequate resources. “More schools are needed in Ewa for proper equity, safety and education,” he stated, urging the board to heed these concerns.
The DOE has reiterated that decisions regarding reconfiguration and redistricting will be tailored to specific community needs. As Allen noted, “It may make sense for some clusters and communities, and it may not for others.” The department aims to collaborate closely with communities to assess the feasibility and appropriateness of proposed changes.
Board Member Roy Takumi raised concerns about the lengthy timeline for implementing changes. He pointed out that, with potential changes not expected until 2028, the department must navigate fiscal and demographic challenges. Recent tax cuts and federal program reductions have also impacted funding.
In response, a DOE spokesperson clarified that financial savings are not the primary motivation for consolidation efforts. “Our approach is primarily driven by the educational opportunities being provided to students,” the spokesperson stated. While consolidating schools may reduce some administrative costs, it is essential that students continue to receive quality education regardless of the school they attend.
As the DOE refines its methodologies and analyses enrollment trends, it remains committed to engaging communities before any school is formally considered for consolidation. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the unique needs and identities of schools are respected while addressing the pressing challenges posed by declining enrollment.
