King-Hinds: I will resign post as regent

Northern Marianas College Board of Regents chairwoman Kimberly King-Hinds may not renew her term as regent next school year, as she is planning to take up graduate studies in the U.S. mainland.

King-Hinds confirmed yesterday that she has been applying for graduate studies with several universities and colleges in the United States. She said it’s about time that she upgrades and updates her skills and knowledge in the field of her choice.

The BOR chair said she has already told her fellow board officers and members of her intention. “But no one is taking me seriously,” she said, adding that she really is serious about her plans, which might push through before the summer ends this year.

King-Hinds, who has been with the board the last four years, said she felt that she needed to further her studies because she believes that education should not end with a bachelor’s degree.

“I’m very sad about leaving the board but for me education is a lifelong process,” she said, adding that her plans would open opportunities for her own personal growth.

She said she is planning to pursue higher education on Human Resource Management or Educational Leadership.

King-Hinds said the board should remain committed and retain the passion to serve the education sector in the CNMI.

‘Disappointed’

As for the Fitial administration’s decision to reduce the college’s budget by $1.5 million from the continuing resolution level of over $8 million, King-Hinds admitted that she was “disappointed.”

“I’m very disappointed with what’s going on with the college. The budget cut may seem nothing and small to others but to the college, it [the amount] is big,” she said.

King-Hinds, together with NMC president Tony V. Deleon Guerrero and other NMC officials, trooped to the Governor’s Office on Friday, right after Fitial’s weekly news briefing to find out once and for all the college’s financial standing.

The governor had told the group that there are other government agencies and offices such as the Public School System that also need additional assistance, thus the budget allocation must be carefully and comprehensively spread out.

King-Hinds said the government should look at education in the CNMI not only from kindergarten to Grade 12 but should consider grades 13 to 16.

“The government should rethink and reevaluate the system to better serve the community,” she said.

The board had decided not to comment on the government’s decision yet. King-Hinds said the BOR would meet this Wednesday and would discuss alternative actions with regard to the new budget allocation and other matters included in their agenda.