I worked in the office side once in a while and she always supported staff and handled conflicts like a master. I remember eating lunch or snacks with her and others in the conference room and when somebody came up to her with a problem she gave a quick response and solved it right away. I had the pleasure of working at Koko Head for almost 10 years and also worked with her sister at Pihana Na Mamo.
I remember that she mentioned some of the principals would get together to play poker and if they talked about problems they had at their schools they had to put money into a pot. She would also tell some of her stories from her trips. I always saw her loving the kids development and the teachers that did the same. If kids were in her office she didn't make the kids feel bad and they left her office learning from their mistakes.
Principals must deal with students, teachers, and staff under them as well as Department of Education at the district and state level, union rules, Parent Teacher Association, individual parents, community leaders, fluctuations in funding and enrollment numbers. Ms. Lum was a linch·pin that kept it all together and kept the school running for the kids.
I worked with the other Kaiser Complex principals, but she was the most revered among staff and in the district. You can tell good leaders by the demeaner of those under them. I never heard of other schools or district people complain about Ms. Lum or Koko Head Elementary. You know, "the chatter". I only heard people talk of her in a good light. I wish I went to an elementary school under her as a kid. She was wise through experience and had a way of resolving conflicts. She made the kids see reason over emotions and of course, supported technology.
This article from 2010 for her retirement echoes my words.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2010/11/06/hawaii-news/school-cheers-scores-ex-principal-birthday/
Rest in Pease Ms. Lum. I think they should rename Koko Head Elementary as Cecilia Lum Elementary.
