STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3830

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 589, 590

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 589 and 590, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Early Learning Board

G.M. No. 589	SULMA GANDHI, for a term to expire 06-30-2027; and
G.M. No. 590	STEPHANIE SHIPTON, for a term to expire 06-30-2027,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Sulma Gandhi and Stephanie Shipton for service on the Early Learning Board.

SULMA GANDHI

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Sulma Gandhi from the Executive Office on Early Learning, Office of Wellness and Resilience, Waimānalo Health Center, Parents and Children Together, and twelve individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Gandhi's experience and knowledge qualify her for appointment to the Early Learning Board as an at-large member pursuant to section 302L-1.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Dr. Gandhi holds a Doctorate in Business Administration: Health Care Management and Leadership and is an experienced health and human services administrator, dedicating over twenty years to various aspects of education and child development ranging from newborn health and welfare to higher education student health and wellness services, and home-based intervention to prevent child abuse and neglect. Dr. Gandhi presently serves as the Hawaiʻi Health Program Officer for the Stupski Foundation. Your Committee further finds that Dr. Gandhi is an active member of her community, serving as a community trainer and member for the East Hawaiʻi Suicide Prevention Task Force, Hilo Medical Center Foundation, and Early Childhood Action Strategy Safe Families. Your Committee notes that Dr. Gandhi has an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members and that her experience and knowledge in human services and early childhood development will be assets to the Early Learning Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Sulma Gandhi be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

STEPHANIE SHIPTON

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Stephanie Shipton from the Executive Office on Early Learning, Kāneʻohe Elementary School, and six individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Shipton's background and experience qualify her for appointment to the Early Learning Board as a member representing the City and County of Honolulu pursuant to section 302L-1.6, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Ms. Shipton has been an education policy professional for over fifteen years, where she has focused on teacher recruitment and retention, compliance with state and federal education regulations, and environmentalism within education. Ms. Shipton was instrumental in the development of the State's Every Student Succeeds Act implementation plan and policy audit and revision under the Board of Education. Your Committee further finds that Ms. Shipton is an active member of her community, serving as Board Secretary for the Women's Fund of Hawaiʻi Board of Directors and as a member of Waipahu High School Teacher Academy Advisory Board and Hope Street Group Hawaiʻi Advisory Board. Your Committee notes that Ms. Shipton has an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of board members and that her knowledge and background in education policy will be assets to the Early Learning Board. Your Committee therefore recommends that Stephanie Shipton be appointed to the Early Learning Board based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair