Kim Palma Richmond ’90

Aloha,

Regarding the proposed redevelopment of the University of Hawaii at Manoa property bordered by University Avenue, Metcalf, Dole, and Hoʻonanea Streets:  the current “CampusTown” planning process has yet to consider or incorporate the University Laboratory school (ULS).  While there have been discussions about preserving the architectural history of Wist and Castle Memorial Halls, preserving the human, cultural, and academic history of the University Laboratory school is being overlooked.  ULS has been associated with the University of Hawai’i since 1931, yet its roots go back to the formation of a teacher training department at Honolulu High School in 1896. Prior to 1931, the school was run by the Territorial Department of Public Instruction. In 1931, the Territorial Legislature transferred the school to the University of Hawaiʻi, where it became part of the newly formed Teachers College (later renamed the College of Education in 1957). In 1951, the school graduated its first full senior class (this class included students that attended from Kindergarten in the 1930’s). This year the University Laboratory School will graduate its 75th class.

ULS is well-respected in the community and a highly sought-after educational choice for families on ʻOahu, consistently ranked as one of the top public schools in Hawaiʻi.  An average of 1700 applicants apply for 56 openings, annually.  Upon entry, parents and students consent to participate in the ULS mission to “design and deliver the best possible education to its students and to serve as a seedbed for educational research and development.” (ULS Research&Development)  Every Year ULS serves the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and the greater community by providing opportunities for research projects, by hosting education conferences, workshops, and professional development for UH and other community organizations, and by hosting UH College of Education student teachers, visitors, and volunteers. Over 500 students from the UH system and visiting programs are welcomed by the ULS community to observe a k-12 public charter school with unique academic programs and a diverse population of students.

At the same time the State of Hawaiʻi is in desperate need of qualified teachers.  At the start of the 2024-2025 school year there were 166 teaching vacancies across the state and 342 “emergency hires”, teachers who have a college degree but have not completed the coursework or teaching experience needed for a state license (Civil Beat, 12/12/24).  I believe there is great potential to preserve the University Laboratory School, and to revitalize it, by creating an educational hub that is a site for deep inquiry, learning, experimentation, and innovation. Rather than do away with over a century of history and partnerships, why not expand upon what is already a well-established institution?  If ULS were to be expanded in itʻs current location, and its partnerships with various departments within the University of Hawaiʻi redeveloped in new ways, the local Mānoa community, ULS families, and  University of Hawaiʻi faculty, staff, and students would all benefit.  Here are some possible examples:

• UH Education majors could continue to do their student teaching at ULS
• UH Curriculum Research and Development Group could continue testing new curriculum at ULS
• UH undergraduate and graduate students and faculty could be “visiting scholars” at ULS, presenting innovative ideas and techniques, as well as honing their craft
• ULS could be a site for innovative ideas that involve collaboration across disciplines.  One example might be enlarging the gardens currently on campus to provide food to be served in the school cafeteria, potentially involving the UH departments of Agriculture, Food Science, Hawaiian Studies, and Curriculum Research and Design
• An early childhood center that provides care for infants and toddlers as well as preschool children could be added to serve the UH faculty, staff, and local communities.  This would also attract more faculty and graduate students with families to UH.

Hawaiʻi needs high-quality education, teachers, and more viable career options for high school and college graduates.  By creating an educational hub at the University of Hawaiʻi, all of those needs can be served.  The larger community is already invested in, and supportive of, the University Laboratory School, which has been in existence for over 100 years.  ULS is poised to be an integral part of any redevelopment plans that would expand access and opportunities for future students, as well as UH students, researchers, faculty, and staff.  

Mahalo for your time and consideration

E Malama Pono, Kim Richmond