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Fitial respects the ‘independence’ of NMC
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Posted on Mar 09 2009
The Fitial administration respects the autonomy of the Northern Marianas College much like it respects other autonomous agencies in the government, according to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s press secretary, Charles Reyes Jr.
Reacting to the resignation of NMC Board of Regents member Agnes McPhetres on Friday, Reyes said: “As with the Public School System, the governor continues to respect the constitutional autonomy and independence of the Northern Marianas College. The governor’s primary role is to make qualified appointments to the Board of Regents. These appointments were confirmed by the Senate. The governor has made several appointments and he continues to rely on the Board of Regents to properly manage and administer the college with the overriding objective of securing full accreditation status for the college.”
He stressed that Fitial will not attempt to micromanage or interfere politically with the management of NMC as the management of the college is a responsibility that rests solely with the Board of Regents.
“The governor need not accept a resignation letter in order for a resignation to be effective. If a vacancy exists in the NMC BOR, I expect the governor to make a qualified appointment,” Reyes said.
As of yesterday, NMC president Carmen Fernandez has yet to comment regarding the resignation of McPhetres, who cited concerns about Fernandez’s management of the college and the internal bickering within the institutions as the reasons for her abrupt departure.
However, Fernandez last Saturday reiterated that the college is determined to achieve its goals of getting the full approval of the commission despite “distractions” that come their way.
“More than ever, we are determined to not let any distractions divert our focus from obtaining accreditation reaffirmation,” Fernandez said in a statement Saturday.
NMC was placed in continued show-cause status after two remaining team recommendations were not fully addressed.
The accrediting body requires the institution to submit its final report by April 1, 2009.
