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Lahainaluna boys’ dorm to reopen Sunday

Facility has been closed since late February due to lack of staffing

The boys’ dorm at Lahainaluna High School will reopen on Sunday after being closed for about a month due to a staff shortage.

In a letter to parents, guardians and community members on Friday, Temporary Assignment Principal Lora-lea Grando said two new dorm attendants have been hired to assist with supervision and ongoing support for the boarders.

“Improvements have also been made to the shared living spaces to ensure students feel at home,” she added.

The girls’ dorm was not affected.

The boys’ David Malo dorm was closed Feb. 22 due to a lack of staff — out of the four attendants needed, two positions had been vacant and two staff are on leave.

In the past, school officials had been volunteering to fill the positions.

“We have worked diligently to bring the program into compliance with established standards and policies while we continue to improve the overall quality of experience for all boarding students,” Grando said in the letter. She thanked people for their support and patience throughout the process.

“Our hope is that the transitions back to dormitory life for the remainder of the school year will be seamless and efficient while bringing joy and companionship back among students,” Grando added.

During the closure the 23 boys, including three from Oahu and two from Hana, had the option of attending school during the daytime hours, doing distance learning or reenrolling in their originating school.

Department of Education spokeswoman Nanea Kalani said on Monday that a community meeting regarding the boarding program has yet to be set.

In the letter, Grando said: “Please be assured that we plan to seek input from stakeholders prior to making any long-term decisions about the boarding program.”

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.

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