Our very own Unit 6 members, Derek Minakami and Kalei Tim Sing, principal and assistant principal at Kaneohe Elementary School, received the 2026 National Gold Star School honors from the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
“This recognition acknowledges our collective efforts as a school community to accomplish our mission: To inspire all to embrace learning and discover passions with aloha at our core,” Minakami said in a news release.
“While this honor celebrates our progress, it also reinforces our ongoing kuleana to nurture a learning environment where every student feels challenged and valued, every ohana feels connected and engaged, and every member of our staff feels supported and empowered,” he said.
As a 2026 National Gold Star school, Minakami and Tim Sing’s exemplary practices will be showcased by NAESP as a model for schools nationwide, providing educators across the country with opportunities to learn from the school’s outstanding work and commitment to student success.
Congratulations to Minakami and Tim Sing on this well-deserved national recognition. Hawaii really does work best when we do.