The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) has appointed Richard Fajardo as assistant superintendent for the Office of Facilities and Operations (OFO), effective June 16.

Fajardo has served as complex area superintendent for the Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area since Jan. 2023, overseeing 17 schools serving approximately 12,800 students. He brings more than two decades of educational leadership experience to the role, including service as principal of Kapolei Middle School, vice principal of Holomua Elementary School and school renewal specialist for the Campbell-Kapolei Complex Area.

In his new role, Fajardo will oversee the Department’s facilities planning, construction, repair and maintenance functions, supporting the safe and effective operation of public school campuses statewide.

“Rich is a respected leader who has successfully led at the school and system levels,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “His ability to build strong teams, manage complex initiatives and support schools will serve him well as he leads the Department’s facilities, planning and construction efforts statewide.”

Earlier this year, Fajardo received the inaugural Alakaʻina Award from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, which recognizes complex area superintendents for outstanding leadership and support of schools and students.

The appointment follows the service of Audrey Hidano, who has led OFO as interim assistant superintendent since late 2023. Under her leadership, the office played a key role in advancing capital improvement priorities, responding to major weather-related events and supporting the successful reorganization of OFO. Hidano will remain with the office and continue supporting key projects and initiatives.

With Fajardo’s transition to the state office, Pearl City High School Principal Joseph Halfmann will serve as temporary assignment complex area superintendent for the Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area.

Halfmann has served as principal of Pearl City High since 2015, leading the school’s transition to wall-to-wall college and career academies and expanding workforce development opportunities through partnerships with businesses, colleges and community organizations. A graduate of Campbell High School, Halfmann has dedicated more than 25 years to Hawaiʻi public schools as a teacher, vice principal and principal.

“Joe is an experienced and student-centered leader who understands the schools and communities of the Pearl City-Waipahu Complex Area,” Hayashi said. “I am confident he will provide strong leadership and support during this transition.”

About the Office of Facilities and Operations

The Office of Facilities and Operations manages all aspects of school infrastructure, from building repairs to long-term planning, supporting safe, functional and sustainable learning environments for students and staff statewide.