​The Hawai‘i State Board of Education today approved the appointment of Brian Hallett as assistant superintendent overseeing the Department of Education’s (HIDOE) Office of Fiscal Services, effective June 19.

The assistant superintendent for the Office of Fiscal Services serves as the Department’s chief financial officer and is responsible for professionally managing the Department’s budget, accounting, procurement, and financial control systems to serve the needs of schools, complexes, state offices and employees.

Hallett has been serving in the position on an interim basis since Aug. 1, 2019. Prior to that, he spent more than 15 years with HIDOE, as budget execution administrator and most recently as budget director.

“During the past year, Brian has proven to be an extremely capable and effective leader. His leadership and oversight of all areas within the Office of Fiscal Services ... have been outstanding,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said in her memo recommending Hallett’s appointment. “As the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the state, Brian quickly adapted to the changing environment, and as a key member of my leadership team, creatively planned and problem-solved in a collaborative and open leadership style to continue to operate and support schools in their ability to continue to provide distance learning.”

Hallett previously held various positions at the Hawai‘i State Legislature, including as chief of staff for the House of Representatives, budget chief for the House Committee on Finance and committee coordinator for the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

“I am humbled and honored to serve in this position and look forward to continuing to support schools and advancing an equity agenda,” Hallett said. “I remain committed to earning and maintaining trust in the Department’s fiscal management by demonstrating honesty, fairness, inclusion, reliability and consistency.”

The appointment was unanimously supported by the full Board.