Iris McGuire

Igoa: Fa'atonu A'oga Ta'alo

Nofoaga o galuega: Kea‘au High School

Tausaga i le HIDOE: 20 years

Tausaga i le tulaga: 20 years (including eight years with other additional administrative duties)

F: Fa'amatala fa'apuupuu lou ala faigaluega.

A: I became an athletics director in 2004. I got certified as a CMAA (Certified Master Athletic Administrator) in 2011. I have been at A'oga Maualuga a Kea'au my entire DOE career. I also am a National Federation of State High School Associations instructor for leadership training.

Q: O a ou tiute autu?

A: I am responsible for all athletic activities on our campus. I am the liaison between KHS and the Big Island Interscholastic Federation and Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association. I coordinate and manage coaches, athletic trainers, student-athletes, finances, facilities and transportation. I am responsible for the well-being of every person that participates in our program, and attends our events. I build relationships, help problem solve and network to bring whatever is needed for the program to thrive. I work to develop coaches and staff to assist with student-athletes and help bridge the gap between school and community. I am the face of Cougar Athletics.

As the Ulupono program administrator, I also oversee the daily operations of our Alternative Learning Programs, Services and Supports program of 100 students, eight teachers and one counselor. I manage the discipline and assist in providing a safe alternative program. I help problem solve and develop the program for these at-promise students that include English Learners, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 504 students.

I am also responsible for performance management (Educator Effectiveness System and Performance Appraisal System) for the following groups, assisting with maintaining smooth operations and building solid relationships: counselors, custodial staff, cafeteria staff, office staff, library and tech staff.

F: Na fa'apefea ona e sao i lea matafaioi?

A: I was helping the former athletics director manage the programs while as a police officer in Puna. When he left, I was asked to stay and apply. I never thought to do this. God placed me where he felt I needed to be. I am an athlete and it grew from there.

Q: Vaega e fiafia i ai e uiga i le galuega?

A: Seeing kids that have gone through our program and are now thriving in the community and seeing them grow as individuals.

Q: Vaega sili ona luitauina e uiga i lou tulaga?

A: Financial restrictions that prevent us from providing more. 

F: E fa'apefea ona lagolagoina e lau matafaioi le manuia o tamaiti aoga?

A: By directly working with the people under my supervision, I am able to provide a solid and stable support system for all students at Keaʻau High. Through my work, we as a team are able to support the students in providing athletic and academic opportunities through both sports and experience.

Q: O le a sau fautuaga mo tagata e mafaufau i lenei tulaga?

A: You have to be committed. Understand your role and expectations before taking on the position.  

Q: Fun fact?

A: I’m also a police officer with the Hawaiʻi Police Department, working for the past 27 years out of the Puna District.

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