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Case closed
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Posted on Jul 14 2011
The cult of personality surrounding Craig Houston Garrison remains strong, but despite this reality, the heroism of James Yangetmai and the desperately-needed intervention of the Legislature to shed light on the situation at Marianas High School produced real, concrete changes that those of us who understood the situation appreciate—even those who pretended to support Garrison to curry favor.
Even though he lied about us and the situation repeatedly in the press, even going so far as to threaten us with privacy violation in a shocking display of public unprofessionalism, I personally would like to express my appreciation to Craig Garrison for making what must have been a very painful personal decision to resign his principalship.
Because I was not even planning to testify on June 3, there was and is, of course, a great deal I did not say. I only focused on the matter of Craig’s disrespect for his own superiors as exemplified by his own words in one electronic message, a message he could not rebut or deny having sent no matter how much hail he threw. But I am satisfied.
Education Commissioner Rita Sablan knew full well what Craig Garrison was like. He treated many persons badly. But Rita is a part of a culture that defers to those who speak with authority, whether what is said is true or not. She (and the system lacking oversight) was ultimately the problem. “I don’t get involved in administrative matters,” Board of Education Member Herman Guerrero, “an administrator,” told me to my face! Amazing.
I hope this situation and its aftermath will prompt more positive changes, but the biggest one has already happened. I consider Craig Garrison a tragic figure, but my first concern is for the students. I consider the case closed for the best. Craig, I thank you again for taking the honorable and decent course of action, and I wish you a healthy and happy retirement. By the way, anyone who doesn’t care for Cherlyn Cabrera’s leadership or management style should file a grievance. Protests and hearings obviously accomplish nothing. The CNMI PSS is on top of everything.
[B]Robert Peate [/B] [I]Oregon City, Oregon[/I]
