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Borja: I want to move on
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Posted on Nov 01 2006
Although disappointed with the lawsuit filed against the Board of Education, Education Commissioner David M. Borja said the Public School System needs to move on in order to help better the education system and the children’s welfare in the Commonwealth.
Former PSS associate commissioner for Curriculum and Instruction Rita Sablan has sued three BOE officials for their selection of Borja as the new Commissioner of Education. Sablan had also applied for the post but lost out to Borja during the selection in August.
“Personally, I am disappointed with the news,” Borja said. He said the damages that could be asked in the lawsuit could be used for the betterment of the education system in the CNMI.
“Let’s move on,” he added.
He refused to comment further on the issue, besides saying that his concern now is to focus on children’s education in the CNMI.
Sablan is suing board chair Roman C. Benavente, and board members Dino Jones and Marja Lee C. Taitano for the alleged improper selection of Borja as education commissioner. Sablan is suing PSS for alleged violation of the Open Government Act, breach of contract, fraud, and violation of PSS organization and philosophy.
Sablan, through counsel Victorino DLG Torres, asked the Superior Court to order the defendants to pay her damages, court costs, and attorney’s fees.
The position for the education commissioner was opened on Feb. 6, 2006, with closing date of March 31, 2006. Sablan submitted her application along with all proper documentation for the position.
Sablan’s lawyer said that, on June 8, 2006, Benavente unilaterally appointed Borja, another applicant, as the acting COE without any announced board meeting or board approval. Apparently, Torres said, discussions between Benavente and Borja regarding the appointment had occurred without any discussion, deliberation or approval by other board members.
“The purpose of appointing Borja was to place him in a better position over Mrs. Sablan. Through his position as acting COE, Borja was able to have direct contact and communication with the defendants, a leverage Sablan was not afforded,” he alleged.
