Previous Story
Sablan elected chair of REL Pacific board
|
Posted on Apr 29 2012
[B]DENVER[/B] (MacREL)—The board of directors for the Pacific Region’s new Regional Education Laboratory, administered by Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning, McREL, held its first meeting on March 29-30 in Honolulu, Hawaii, at McREL’s Pacific Center for Changing the Odds.
In addition to discussing the board’s role and goals in improving educational opportunities and achievement for all students in the Pacific Region, members also elected their first chair and chair-elect.
The new chair is Rita Sablan, Ph.D., commissioner of education for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Public School System. Rufino Mauricio, Ph.D., secretary of education of the Federated States of Micronesia, was chosen as chair-elect.
Sablan has served as in her current role since 2008. Her 34-year career in education on Saipan includes roles as a teacher, principal, and associate commissioner for instructional services. Of her REL Pacific role she said, “I am honored to serve as the first chair and look forward to the working collaboratively with the region’s chiefs and their school districts to make a difference.”
Mauricio, who is an anthropologist and previously served as director of the National Archives for FSM, brings to the board deep understanding of Pacific cultures as well as the needs and perspectives of the region’s students and their families. “I am optimistic that board members can work together to improve the learning of students everywhere, particularly for those in the Pacific Region, while honoring the importance of their cultural identity,” Mauricio said.
Other members of the REL Pacific board include:
Gardenia Aisek, director of Chuuk Department of Education
Lyndon Cornelius, secretary of education, Kosrae, FSM
Masa-aki Emesiochl, minister of education, Republic of Palau
Henry Falan, speaker, Chuuk Senate, FSM
Jacinta Galea’i, acting director designee, American Samoa Department of Education
Hilda Heine, minister of education, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Kathryn Matayoshi, superintendent, HawaiÔi Department of Education
Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, HawaiÔi education policy advisor
Vincent Parren, director of education, Yap, FSM
Taling Taitano, acting superintendent, Guam Department of Education
Asterio Takesy, ambassador to the United States, FSM
Patrick Tellei, president, Palau Community College
Joseph Villazon, director of education, Pohnpei, FSM
