DOE: Keonepoko Elementary to reopen for next school year

The Hawaii Department of Education announced Monday it plans to reopen Keonepoko Elementary School in Hawaiian Beaches next school year.

The department said it is starting the planning process, which will include addressing all of the adjustments made in October when the school, which comprised 1,700 students and 300 staff, was closed because of the threat posed by the advancing lava flow.

Decisions affecting employees will be made in consultation with the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Government Employees Association and the United Public Workers union. In the coming weeks, principals in the Ka’u, Keaau and Pahoa complex area and DOE administrators will map out a course of action steps.

The state said it hopes to have details solidified by May to provide families ample time to plan for the 2015-16 academic year.

“Many families were affected by our contingency plans to safeguard access to education and we appreciate their cooperation and understanding through all of it,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We now have a ton of details to work out before making any official announcement on dates or assignments, however it is important to let families and staff know where we stand. The decision to reopen Keonepoko Elementary extends beyond just the facility. We want to be very thoughtful about our approach.”

In October 2014, Keonepoko Elementary was closed in response to the advancing lava flow when it was determined then that the lava could cross Highway 130 near Pahoa. The state built a temporary facility in the Keaau High lower parking lot and adjusted classroom assignments for students and staff within the complex area. Recently, the lava flow threat status was reduced from “warning” to “watch” by the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Hawaii County Civil Defense, in addition, has informed the department that, based on the most current information available, lava is no longer headed toward Pahoa.