Earlier this year, the Board of Education voted to close Queen Liliu’okalani School.
Students, teachers and parents gathered at Queen Liliu’okalani Elementary School for the last time in the school’s cafeteria.
“They are to be congratulated for all their hard work we advise them to make sure remember where they came from which is Queen Liliu’okalani which is doing your best,” said Raelene Chock, the school’s principal.
In March, the Board of Education decided to close the school to save the state $576,000 dollars. Many parents and teachers rallied against the school closure.
“It actually was a rough journey and it tried to stay away from it as much as possible because it’s very emotional,” said Pualani Wilmington. Wilmington has been a teacher at the school for 18 years teaching different grade levels.
“I’ll remember all my students I’ll remember all the parents this is a really great community I’ve enjoyed being here all these years,” said Wilmington.
Although the school only had 97 students enrolled, it was the feeling of family the students, teachers and parents enjoyed.
“The teachers are just so incredible and loving,” said Katrina Florence, a parent of a student attending Queen Liliu’okalani.
“All the teachers they’re like really try to make you learn and get you active and stuff,” said fourth grade student Leila Chun.
All of the students will transfer to either Waialae Charter or Liholiho Elementary School. Or they can choose to attend any school in the Kalani complex.
“There is a sadness I can say that I’m going to be sad but I really don’t feel it right now and eventually it will come I know," said Wilmington.
All teachers and staff will transfer to other schools. The decision on how the school will be used has not been made.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
