A Wai'anae Intermediate School vice principal has been selected as Hawai'i's 2010 State Assistant Principal of the Year.

Bernadine "Bernie" Taaca is one of 52 vice principals nationwide honored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Taaca has a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Hawai'i- Mānoa and began her career in public education in 1980 as a special-education teacher at Nānākuli High and Intermediate School. In 1981, she began teaching health and physical education at Wai'anae Intermediate. Taaca was appointed one of Wai'anae Intermediate's three vice principals in 2002.

This year's honorees will attend the annual Assistant Principals' Forum and Banquet in Washington, D.C., next month. From the state winners, three finalists are selected to become eligible for the National Assistant Principal of the Year award.

GOVERNOR SAYS SHE MAY RUN FOR OFFICE

Gov. Linda Lingle is hinting she might seek another elected office after her term ends this year.

Lingle has repeatedly said she will not be a candidate in 2010. She is in her second four-year term, and by law cannot run for a third consecutive term.

She was asked at a Rotary Club meeting yesterday if she would remain involved in government after she leaves the governor's office. The 56-year-old governor said she expects to continue living in Hawai'i.

Later, Lingle told reporters that "it's possible" she will run for elected office in the future, but would not offer specifics.

She is considered a possible candidate in 2012 for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Daniel Akaka.