Frances T. Taimanao is new MCS president

Frances T. Taimanao, center, is Mount Carmel School’s new president. She is flanked by board member Jacqueline Che, left, and board chair Vicente “Ben” Babauta. (MCS)

Frances T. Taimanao is Mount Carmel School’s new president.

Members of Mount Carmel School’s board of directors officially announced Taimanao’s appointment during a news briefing yesterday, during which board chair Vicente “Ben” Babauta also shared the school’s celebration of its 70th anniversary.

After the departure of former school president and current Northern Marianas College president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Taimanao stepped in as acting president throughout the school year 2021-2022. Despite the challenges presented during the community’s exposure to the COVID-19 virus, Taimanao successfully led the institution toward a strong end of the school ear.

The school community members had access to regular on-site COVID-19 testing, hybrid learning options, the reinstatement of student events, and led the completion of the school’s 2021-2026 strategic plan and updated and revision of the school’s curriculum.

Taimanao brings 23 years of teaching experience and 10 years of administrative experience. Prior to MCS, Taimanao served as an elementary teacher at San Vicente Elementary School and retired as a vice principal at the CNMI Public School System. In August 2006, Taimanao transitioned to Mount Carmel School and has taught elementary, middle school, and high school grade levels. Since then, she has remained instrumental in various academic programs, which only solidified the board of directors’ decision to select her for the post.

“It’s been an honor to work with Frances, and after reflecting on last school year, it’s time to take Mount Carmel School to the next stage and we as a board of directors felt that [she] was right for the job,” said Babauta. “Mrs. Taimanao will lead the school for the next few years and it is quite exciting also as we announce that we are celebrating Mount Carmel School’s 70th anniversary.”

“It is an honor to serve as Mount Carmel School’s president,” said Taimanao. “I’ve served this institution for 16 years and I can honestly say that Mount Carmel has always pushed me to improve and expand my own capacities as an educator. Just this past December, I completed my master of education degree through Framingham State University and I can honestly say that Mount Carmel School was a key factor in why I pursued my master’s degree after all these years. To be a part of the school’s legacy as a president is humbling and I aim to continuously improve and expand on the school’s abilities to learn, grow, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape that is education.”

One of the new programs Mount Carmel School will implement during the first year of Taimanao’s official presidency is the incorporation of wellness learning opportunities into the school’s curriculum.

“After our community was exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was no surprise to educators across the country that varying aspects of our students’ wellness would be affected. While we did our best to give our students as many opportunities to engage and collaborate safely, children still showed signs of depression and anxiety. This inspired us to embed wellness learning opportunities into the curriculum itself. Therefore, starting this school year, Mount Carmel School will dedicate Fridays as wellness days,” she said.

Each Friday of the week would be dedicated to educating its students on varying wellness techniques.

Additionally, Taimanao is focused on the development of the school’s IT infrastructure and facilities master plan to better support student learning and engagement. Taimanao expressed gratitude to the Federal Programs Office, as approved applications have helped MCS begin this effort.

Mount Carmel School’s first day of classes begins on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, and the school will continue to accept applications for available grade levels.

For more information about Mount Carmel School, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com. (PR)