BOR: Policy review, legal opinion now unnecessary

There is no need to review the policy of the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents and render a legal opinion on the resignation of Agnes McPhetres following Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s decision to accept the regent’s resignation.

“The resignation does not need further review by the legal counsels of NMC,” according to BOR chair Charles Cepeda, who added that Fitial’s decision will help the college move on and focus on meeting its accreditation requirements.

Fitial accepted McPhetres’ resignation on Monday. She had originally rescinded her resignation but the board said their receipt of her letter effectively ended her service to the board. Last week, the governor told the board that, as far as his office is concerned, McPhetres is still with the board as he didn’t receive nor accepted the regent’s resignation letter. Fitial’s decision on Monday changed all that.

“We’re happy,” Cepeda said. “Now, NMC can continue to work on accreditation for the betterment of standards of all levels at the college. This certainly would not have come to a resolution if not for regent McPhetres seeing the need to move on…without further cost and distraction to the institution.”

Cepeda said the board is appreciative of the former regent’s contributions to NMC.

“Regent McPhetres has also been very active and resourceful as a board member. We thank her for giving so much to NMC, which we know she cares for dearly. Her passion is evident and showed it while a regent,” he said, expressing hope that McPhetres’ will continue supporting the college as a community member.

“The board continues to thank regent McPhetres for all the services as a board member and the work she has done to improve NMC,” he said.

Cepeda also lauded the governor’s move to resolve the issue.

“We thank the governor in resolving to the matter and for his continued support to NMC students, staff, and faculty. The governor has given so much support to the members of NMC board and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the governor and his administration,” Cepeda added.

Fitial, in a statement Monday, hoped that the question of McPhetres’ status with the board has now been clearly resolved.

“I respect her decision and I believe she made this decision with the best interests of the college in mind,” the governor said.

McPhetres, who is the first and longest serving NMC president, was appointed to the board last year.

Less than a year into her position, however, she disclosed her disappointment with college president Dr. Carmen Fernandez. It was the main reason she cited in her resignation letter.