Former trustees have denied giving preferential treatment and said no such red-dot system existed. Former trustee Lokelani Lindsey has alleged that the charge was based on rumor and innuendo at the Kapalama Heights campus. In its letter, the interim board said the perception of unfairness is a main reason it has decided to overhaul the Kamehameha Schools admissions department. As part of a systemwide reorganization announced yesterday, the schools' admissions staff will become an autonomous group that will be supervised by the chief executive officer. Previously, the admissions staff reported to the educational department.
Similar changes are in store for the school's tuition aid functions.
According to the board, the estate's financial assistance division will be consolidated into the Ke Ali'i Pauahi Scholarship Fund, which is a tax-exempt support group. The consolidation would streamline the financial aid process. Separately, the board also agreed to create the position of chief educational officer to oversee all of the trust's educational programs at the Kapalama Heights, Maui and East Hawaii campuses. The idea of the new post is part of a newly approved strategic plan that will reduce layers of administrative bureaucracy and create more autonomy for each campus. McCubbin said the post of chief educational officer has been offered to schools President Michael Chun, who will retain his title as president whether or not he accepts the new title.