COE: Anyone wanting to serve PSS has to go through process

Although Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan refused to specifically comment on the issue of former Marianas High School principal Craig Garrison, she, however, told Saipan Tribune yesterday that anyone who wants to return to public schools has to go through proper procedures.

This means filing an application for a vacant position and applicants’ credentials being reviewed by the CNMI Public School System’s human resource office.

Garrison resigned from his position last month, effective Sept. 1, due to differences with Sablan. He was then placed on administrative leave, prompting him to file a complaint against Sablan with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He later rescinded his resignation in a letter submitted to Sablan’s office on Aug. 2.

Since then, there has been no official response by the commissioner or the human resource office about Garrison’s status.

Cherlyn Cabrera is currently the acting principal of MHS.

Yesterday, Sablan described the issue about Garrison as a “personnel matter” and that she could not discuss it, according to policy. “I cannot comment on personnel issues,” she said.

She emphasized, though, that PSS is an equal employment opportunity provider. “Certainly, anyone who applies for a position at PSS will be reviewed in terms of their applications. And if they meet the eligibility criteria, they will be established on the eligibility list for meeting the job vacancy announcement.”

Sablan said that PSS has a number of competitive job announcements that are available right now. “And certainly, we welcome people within the Commonwealth to apply to PSS because we are the number one organization here.”

With the full implementation of the highly qualified personnel mandate—which requires PSS to hire only highly qualified personnel—PSS expects a number of positions to become vacant.

Garrison said yesterday that he is awaiting a response from HR director Charlie Kenty for clarification about the application process. He disclosed that he had a previous application as vice principal of Saipan Southern High School prior to his transfer to Marianas High School last school year. Garrison is both a highly qualified teacher and administrator.

He said he asked Kenty if there’s a need for him to re-apply for the vice principal position, which he believes has an open FTE. He has yet to receive a response from the HR director as of press time.

Besides MHS, five other schools will have new administrators following last month’s re-alignment: Jessica Barcinas-Taylor as the new principal of Tanapag Elementary School replacing Frances Ulloa; Yvonne Pangelinan as new principal of San Vicente Elementary School vice Joaquina Salas, who retired; Garapan Elementary has Paulette Sablan as the school’s interim principal; James Sablan for San Antonio Elementary School; Martin Dalsaso was moved to Marianas High School as one of its vice principals. Annette Calvo as interim principal for Dr. Rita Inos Hocog Junior High School on Rota, vice Maria Quitugua who will become PSS assessment program coordinator.