At its April 13, 2023 General Business meeting, the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission unanimously voted to appoint Interim Deputy Director PJ Foehr as the Interim Executive Director moving forward until the search for the next Executive Director is completed.

PJ began his tenure at the Commission in October of 2017 as a member of the Federal Programs team. In February of 2020, he was tapped to become the Interim Deputy Director. PJ’s 33 years of experience in education include time spent as a classroom teacher, school administrator and consultant in public schools, public charter schools and private schools.

PJ takes the place of former Interim Executive Director Yvonne Lau who accepted a position with the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents.

Foehr said “I am excited for the opportunity to work with Commissioners, Commission staff, our Hawaiʻi Public Charter School Governing Boards and Directors and our colleagues in the Department of Education to further the work of public charter schools positively impacting the Hawaiʻi education system.”