Continuity at PSS ‘paramount’

Two lawmakers have expressed shock and bewilderment at what appears to be the Board of Education’s abrupt termination of Education Commissioner Cynthia Deleon Guerrero last Tuesday, which remains shrouded in mystery due to the lack of details.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres declined to comment on the matter at this time but Rep. Edwin Aldan (R-Tinian) and Sen. Teresita Santos (R-Rota), who chair the Committee on Education at the House and the Senate respectively, said they were caught flatfooted by the decision.

Aldan expressed concern over the welfare of Public School System students.

“I am kind of surprised with her termination, [but I] respect [the BOE’s] decision on this issue due to [it being within their authority],” Aldan told Saipan Tribune.

“I just hope that it does not disrupt the daily and ongoing programs within PSS management, staff, and most especially our students,” he added.

As of publication, associate commissioner for Yvonne Pangelinan is the acting education commissioner.

Santos believes the BOE should at least justify Deleon Guerrero’s termination

“Perhaps the tenure of a [commissioner of education] should be revisited, specifically the provision where he or she could be terminated without cause,” she said, adding that if anybody at that level could be terminated anytime, “there should be justifications or with reasonable cause, and not the contrary.”

The BOE unanimously voted last Tuesday to terminate Deleon Guerrero “without cause” during a board meeting on Capital Hill. Deleon Guerrero’s termination is effective this Nov. 5, 2017.

Santos did decline to comment on the termination itself, but is relieved that both the BOE and the commissioner would ensure continuity of services.

“The BOE and [the commissioner] issued a statement ensuring continuity by providing quality services; protecting the best interest of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators; and putting our students first,” said Santos.

According to a social media post of Deleon Guerrero, she submitted a “letter of concern” last Oct. 6, 2017, to the BOE, which she added would be made public. According to a separate email, Deleon Guerrero said the board never responded to her letter of concern prior to sending her the termination letter via email.

Deleon Guerrero is in Hawaii, attending a Head Start conference.