House education panel to invite PSS execs anew

The House of Representatives’ Education Committee will again invite top officials of the Public School System and Board of Education to a meeting to hear their side of the story on issues surrounding Marianas High School.

Committee chair Rep. Raymond Palacios (Cov-Saipan) said yesterday that letter of invitations will be sent to Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan, human resource officer Charlie Kenty, Board of Education chair Marylou Ada, and MHS principal Craig Garrison—who is the subject of complaints raised to lawmakers.

These individuals had snubbed a recent public hearing conducted by the panel over the same issue. In that hearing, eight persons testified against the MHS principal and urged for his ouster.

Palacios said his committee is determined to submit its recommendations to the education board but it needs to complete the process by giving education officials another chance to air their side. The meeting is slated for July 6 at the House chamber and is open to the public.

“The committee decided [today] to give them another chance and this new meeting is to ensure fairness on the ‘recommendation/decision’ to be made by the members. So we’re hoping they will spare some time for this important meeting,” said Palacios.

In case these officials do not show up again, Palacios said the committee might subpoena them to compel them to attend. He hopes, however, that the situation will not go that far.

He reiterated that the “inquiry” is not a form of micromanagement on the affairs and operation of the school but is part of lawmakers’ responsibility to ensure that “teachers are free from any harm” in their schools and to maintain their effectiveness.

Garrison is being criticized for his management style and leadership approach. The allegations against him were primarily raised by teacher James Yangetmai, who organized a four-day protest in April. Garrison has denied all allegations.

Garrison has yet to respond to Saipan Tribune’s question if he will accept the lawmakers’ latest invitation. He failed to attend the first meeting due to graduation rehearsals at his school.

The hourlong meeting yesterday was attended by Vice Speaker Felicidad Ogumoro (R-Saipan), committee vice chair Ray Basa (Cov-Saipan), Rep. Frank Dela Cruz (R-Saipan), Rep. Stanley Torres (Ind-Saipan), Rep. Ramon Tebuteb (R-Saipan), house counsel Joe Taijeron, and legislative assistant Claire Sablan.