Kula Gaughen-Haili was announced as principal of the high school on Nov. 27, 2024 in a school-wide email from Pookula Taran Chun.
Gaughen-Haili currently serves as the interim principal of the high school, replacing outgoing principal Wendy Erskine who left at the end of last school year. December 8 will mark the first official day as principal for Gaughen-Hill as he continues to transition to the permanent position.
The Castle high school graduate is no stranger to the Kapalama campus, having served as the Middle school principal from 2019-24 and elementary vice-principal from 2017-18. Gaughen-Haili also worked on the Maui campus as the elementary vice-principal for two years.
“I am completely humbled to serve you,” Gaughen-Haili said in a recent faculty meeting.
In his email, Chun said, “Ultimately, it was his vast experience in various educator roles, including teacher, counselor, vice principal, and principal, that, on paper, made Kula an excellent selection for this position.” Chun also noted that it was “his intangible skills” gave him the edge to the selection committee that was comprised of campus and executive leaders.
Chun also noted that it was under the leadership of Gaughen-Hill that the middle school garnered recognition and accolades from the Association for Middle Level Education and the American School Counselor Association.
“Our journey together will be guided by lōkahi and hōʻihi, the values of unity and respect. I believe in the power of collaboration and the strength we have as an ʻohana,” Gaughen-Hill said to faculty in an email earlier this year. Understanding the challenges of running a high school, he said that it is necessary to continue moving forward, but to “go slow.” The former police officer also solicits the help from everyone, “to support one another, fostering a community where we can thrive collectively.”
