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BOE to announce education commissioner vacancy
Muna being considered for acting COE
The CNMI Public School System’s Board of Education plans to announce the vacancy of Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan’s position as she reaffirmed her decision to retire last week.
In a special board meeting yesterday at the Office of Pupil Transportation, BOE chair Herman Guerrero announced that Sablan is set to leave office on Aug. 19, 2016, which is also the week PSS begins its school year.
The board was expected to release the results of Sablan’s evaluation, but with her recent decision to retire, Guerrero said that she has moved her name from consideration.
“Consequently, the previous meeting is moot and we will now proceed to announce the position and hire a commissioner…” he added.
The term of the commissioner of education usually lasts four years. Sablan, whose career with PSS spans over two decades, assumed office in 2009.
The board also decided to review the job vacancy announcement to ensure that it aligns with the BOE’s mission and philosophy.
Guerrero also recommended that the associate commissioner for Administrative Services, Glen Muna, be appointed as the interim education commissioner. The proposal was moved to be considered in an executive session with board members later.
Since the news of Sablan’s resignation broke, several education officials have come forward asking the commissioner to withdraw her intent to retire and for the board not to accept her resignation. The commissioner did not comment on the situation while the board discussed her departure.
