Ige appoints Farias to head School Facilities Authority

Gov. David Ige this month appointed Chad Keone Farias to serve as executive director of the state Department of Education’s School Facilities Authority, which is charged with the development, planning, and construction of public school capital improvement projects.

Farias joined the authority last year and is currently the complex area superintendent for Ka‘u-Kea‘au-Pahoa on Hawaii Island. He has worked for the department since 1993 as a teacher, counselor, vice principal, principal, and superintendent.

Farias was born and raised on Hawaii Island, and has a great interest in serving the island. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history and education from Loyola Marymount University, and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Hawaii.

“As a proud Hawaii public school graduate, I’m excited to guide the School Facilities Authority in creating the facilities our students deserve. This kuleana is great and I look forward to the opportunity to improve education access for all of Hawaii,” said Farias.

Farias’ appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. If confirmed, he would serve a six-year term.

The authority is led by a five-member board and an executive director, all appointed by the governor.