BOE Florine Hofschneider is not seeking re-election

Florine Hofschneider, the Tinian representative on the Board of Education, would not be seeking re-election this November, leaving the seat open for a gubernatorial appointment if no one runs for the seat.

Hofschneider said Thursday last week that she would not be seeking re-election for her long-held seat on the board representing Tinian. She cited personal reasons.

“I was hoping that other parents will come in and throw their names in the ring because they have children in schools and it is very important for them to participate, but it didn’t happen,” she said.

“My reason [for not seeking re-election] is personal. [I have a] family that I need to take care of,” she added. “It’s just a part of our lives where some priorities shift and I really have confidence that people in the community will step up, but it is unfortunate that it did not happen.”

She noted that two individuals reportedly sought the seat but one candidate withdrew while the other was found unqualified for the post.

According to Hofschneider, as far as the Commonwealth Election Commission is concerned, there are currently no candidates running for the Tinian BOE seat.

That would mean that Gov. Ralph DLG Torres would have to appoint a Tinian representative on the BOE. When asked if she has any recommendations, she said she would rather look for qualities than a specific person.

“I would like to see someone who has already demonstrated their commitment to the kids and the school system. We need to see people…who have already proven that when the school, kids, staff, and the Public School System needs support, they are there,” she said. “I am hoping.”

Hofschneider wants the new Tinian representative to be apolitical and to involve stakeholders in the selection process.

“If and should the governor decide to make the appointment, [I wish] that there would be a list [of possible candidates] put together by the community—the Parent Advisory Council, the Parent Teacher Student Association, the teachers. Let them make the recommendation so that it is not…politically generated,” she said.

Hofschneider was appointed by former governor Carlos S. Camacho to the first BOE since the establishment of the Commonwealth in 1978. Hofschneider also represented Tinian as the first elected BOE.

“Technically, this term that I am serving is my third term since the onset of the Commonwealth,” she added.

If given the opportunity to run again, Hofschneider replied, “Absolutely.”