PSS clears Hopwood principal

While stressing that the allegations against Principal Lourdes Mendiola were without merits, Hopwood Junior High School teachers who lobbied for her ouster from the institution yesterday got what they asked from the Public School System.

The system yesterday ordered Ms. Mendiola’s transfer from the government-controlled institution to the PSS Central Office beginning next school year, citing the already tainted learning environment that resulted from the allegations raised by 51 teachers.

Despite her transfer to the Central Office, PSS acting Commissioner Louise Concepcion cleared the principal of alleged mismanagement of the junior high school.

Serious issues of violence and misconduct raised by 51 teachers and staff of Hopwood has prompted PSS to pay attention to the poor school environment at the school, Ms. Concepcion said in her 12-page decision.

Ms. Mendiola was also “commended” for her hard work despite the limited resources PSS has allowed her.

It further read that through the petition, PSS was able to recognize its deficiencies in failing to provide Ms. Mendiola with the necessary support in the area of human resources in order for her to operate the school in a safe and orderly manner.

“She had been diligent in trying to meet the expectations of the central office during the austerity period,” said Ms. Concepcion.

The acting commissioner also blamed the “complexity of the environment” at the junior high as well as the System’s inability to provide the school administration with the required skilled staff for the unfortunate turn-out of events.

PSS also described Ms. Mendiola as a “valuable resource” to the System. Ms. Concepcion said she may be transferred to another public school or be assigned to work at the central office.

Ms. Mendiola was sought for comment but was not available.

At the same time, the acting commissioner recommended that PSS implement clear procedures in ensuring that school administrators are certified and are eligible to the positions they hold.

Certification requirements should include prescribed course work and teaching experience in the school division where they are assigned, according to Ms. Concepcion.

She also suggested that the commissioner of education continue to implement the administration assessment program which was started in 1998.

PSS said if the petitioners are not satisfied with her decision, they can file a notice of appeal at least three days after the decision was issued. (MM)