HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0757.007 2022-2024 P / CRCOC-
COMM.757
From: Michelle Payne-arakaki
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 3:17 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony in Support of Early Childhood Resources Program within the Department
of Research and Development
Date: March 17, 2024
To: Communications, Reports and Council Oversight Committee Hawaii County Council yt '
RE: Testimony in Support of Early Childhood Resources Program within the Departmentpf a µ
Research and Development Comm.757
My name is Michelle Payne-Arakaki, and I am the Principal of Pahoa Elementary School.
excited that the County is stepping forward to support the Early Childhood system on this island and
appreciate that the ARPA funding will be used thoughtfully and sustainably. Systemic improvement
will go a long way to serve our island's children and families. I am looking forward to a dynamic
project that is about to move forward in the Pahoa School Complex. After a year of bringing partners
to the table we have a comprehensive plan to support children from birth to 5, and an ambitious goal
to change the Kindergarten Entrance Assessment data by 10%. I have been involved in many
projects led by the County's Early Childhood Team and serve on the EC Advisory Group. I especially
appreciate being kept up-to-date on state and national work and the team's efforts to engage the
community in designing plans to improve children's lives. I look forward to the release of the ARPA
fund RFPs and am anxious to see the positive change to our EC system in Hawaii County.
Michelle Payne-Arakaki
Principal
Pahoa Elementary School
(808) 313-4400
michelle.payne-arakaki@k12.hi.us
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