LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ervin Pasalo

Position: Principal
School: Hokulani Elementary School
School District: Hawaii Public Schools
City, State: Honolulu, HI

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Dr. Ervin Pasalo was nominated by his colleague, Lois Nagamine.

Dr. Pasalo is an exemplary leader who has profoundly and has impacted Hokulani Elementary. He has been at the school for only three years and has already made many improvements in programs, student achievement, and especially with teacher morale. Since his arrival, many systems that had been previously lacking have been collaboratively set up and implemented. Teacher morale has significantly improved, and student achievement has increased each year. His proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students, staff, and parents is evident in his every action. Dr. Pasalo ensures that every child under his care has the tools and support needed to thrive through his unwavering commitment to fostering both academic success and personal growth.

One of Dr. Pasalo’s most notable strengths is his ability to cultivate a positive and nurturing school atmosphere. He cares deeply about his staff and goes out of his way to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered. Whether offering words of encouragement or providing resources to help teachers succeed, Dr. Pasalo consistently demonstrates his commitment to the well-being of his team. As a leader, Dr. Pasalo exhibits fairness, efficiency, and professionalism in all interactions. His approach to handling parents, students, and staff is marked by respect, transparency, and thoughtful consideration. Parents trust him to address concerns with care and clarity, while students see him as a guiding presence who upholds high expectations with kindness. His staff knows they can rely on his steady leadership, collaborative spirit, and consistent dedication to the success of the entire school community. Dr. Pasalo’s record of excellence speaks for itself. Under his leadership, Hokulani Elementary has flourished, with improvements in student achievement and school culture. He leads by example, adhering to the highest moral and ethical standards, and inspires those around him to do the same. In every way, Dr. Pasalo embodies what it means to be a transformative principal. His care for his staff, fairness in leadership, and tireless commitment to the success of his students make him an inspiring and excellent leader for the Hokulani Elementary family.

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Comments (4)

Mitch I Posted over a year ago

Dr. Pasalo has been a wonderful addition to our Hokulani School ohana since he arrived here a few years ago. He’s an amazing Principal who brings a lot of positive energy. He’s built strong relationships with our students, showing them that he genuinely cares about their success and well-being. He is always present at our school events and interacts with our students daily during their lunches and recesses. He's very visible and his personality makes our students feel comfortable and at ease. The faculty and staff respects and appreciates him deeply because he’s approachable, supportive and always looking for ways to help everyone grow. He’s provided lots of professional development for our faculty and staff and has created new programs for students that really make a difference. He’s great with technology, which has helped improve communication and has made things run more efficiently. His leadership has made Hokulani Elementary a better place for everyone!

Danny Posted over a year ago

Dr. Pasalo is a role model for administrators, teachers, and students. His attributes of character, presence, and intellect have paved the path of his success. His empathy towards colleagues not only builds trust in the teaching community, but reaches individuals with whatever tribulation they may be tackling. His self-discipline in completing his duties as principal, and at times going above, sets a standard for his administrator peers. He attends conferences with his teachers, attends school activities like holiday parades and robotics competitions. Being present with his teachers and students is a value he holds high, because genuinely cares and knows that a strong and healthy organization needs a solid foundation. Dr. Pasalo’s background as a high school math teacher and high school administrator has blessed him with a long list of experiences, both joyful and challenging. It is apparent that those experiences guide him when making difficult decisions for his current school. He has managed to adapt from a high school setting to elementary school setting with the help of his network of colleagues across the island and newly found staff and faculty at Hokulani Elementary. He knows the importance of binding the past experiences and being open to new ones. With advancing technology at the forefront of our world, Dr. Pasalo too adapts to meet the needs of his teachers and school. On a personal level, and as a friend, I have the opportunity to listen to his challenges and celebrations he experiences at his school. Always having the quality of life as a leading value, it is no question that Dr. Pasalo should be the Life Changer of the Year. The amount of students, teachers, and principals that still reach out to him after he’s moved on to a new position and school is an example of his warm, tender, and approachable nature. I believe that Dr. Pasalo has changed many lives in the past, and continues to do so. Thank you for your service to our keiki and educators. #LCOY Danny Former Hawaii Public Elementary School Teacher

Kenny Posted over a year ago

Dr. Pasalo, also known as Ervin, shows such unwavering dedication to his school community. His genuine care and concern for the wellbeing of his students, teachers, and staff are truly inspiring. As his friend, I feel an immense sense of pride in his kindness, compassion, and the incredible work he does every day. His commitment to those around him is a rare and beautiful thing.

April Posted over a year ago

Dr. Pasalo is an extraordinary educator and an amazing and empathetic leader. I have had the pleasure of working with him and have seen the impact he has made both in and out of the classroom for the children and communities he serves. I am proud to call him a colleague and a friend. Hokulani elementary is lucky to have him.