2012 LESN Recognition Award

 The Legislative Education Staff Network (LESN) is pleased to recognize Jan Yamane for her excellence in service to the Hawaii Legislature and the education staff network.  LESN is honored to present Jan with the 2012 LESN Recognition Award.

Jan serves as deputy auditor and general counsel for the State of Hawaii.  Jan has adeptly combined her knowledge in audit standards and legal acumen with a quick learning curve on education issues to assist in audits with policy implications.  Within her office, Jan led attempts to solidify unfettered access to information and data, taking on the U.S. Department of Education in its interpretation of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Jan is actively involved in LESN.  She served on the LESN Steering Committee, as an NCSL and ECS appointee, between 2006 and 2009.  In this capacity, she led the network in the arduous and time consuming task of developing a strategic plan.  Jan graciously volunteered to research, guide and direct this work over a two-year period.  Her hard work has endured as the network's three-year strategic plan was revised in 2012.  Jan also has been an invaluable participant in network policy discussions relating to the provisions fo the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.  In addition, Jan provided targeted guidance and direction to her New Mexico colleagues in formulating legislation to codify the requirements for a P-20 data educational system.  Jan serves on the NCSL Executive Committee and is active in the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society, an NCSL staff section.

Frances Ramirez-Maestas, Director, Legislative Education Study Committee, New Mexico, nominated Jan for this award and wrote:

 "Jan's experience and expertise in education policy has contributed to the sustained development of legislative education staff across the states.  As legislative staff and LESN member, I recoginzie Jan for her professionalism, competence, and integrity in her service to the Legislature and to the public."

Thank you Jan, for your tireless service to the Hawaii Legislature and your long-lasting legacy to the Legislative Education Staff Network.