Inos vows serious education reforms

After weeks of deep soul-searching, Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos landed on a decision that supporters believe would change the face of accessible education in the Commonwealth.

Announcing her bid to join the race as deputy to gubernatorial hopeful Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, the incumbent Public School System administrator officially pledged her support to the Covenant Party, upholding the education agenda as one of the forefront in the party’s campaign.

“One thing that made me really think about Speaker Fitial’s request is when he said that he regards education as a critical element in the Commonwealth’s growth, along with economic development as his main concern and concentration. He never disregarded education as any lesser in the platform. I feel very proud and honored to join the team,” said Dr. Inos.

Her decision to join the team was borne out of a series of consultations with family members, friends and colleagues.

“It’s always a privilege to be offered to do this type of service to the people, even though it requires a lot of work and discussion. But my heart has always been in public service. It humbles me to know that I am welcome to join Speaker Fitial in his platform to continue to forge forth for a better tomorrow for our Commonwealth,” she said.

Paramount in Dr. Inos’ agenda, as reflected in the overall mission of the Covenant Party, is to empower the autonomy of the State Board of Education, for the further advancement of the local education system. She also expressed interest to develop a tight partnership with the independent board in hopes of fulfilling its education mandate for the children of the Commonwealth.

A priority in the Commissioner’s list is to pave the road for the institution of an extended day for students, beyond the normal school hours they currently spend under supervised learning environment.

“As commissioner, I am in charge of one department, and that’s education. Though it’s a very important department and it does require a lot of attention, I still can’t fulfill something that other agencies can provide for the children. And they’re interested in advancing the BOE’s dream to have extended day for our children in a place where they can be safe, where their parents can come and find them later on,” said the educator.

Dr. Inos also vowed to optimize the use of resources to achieve long-standing objectives in support of CNMI’s children. The Lt. Governor aspirant is seeking to collect various means of support for students, including financial reinforcement and expert services.

“As a commissioner, I can request for these services, I can seek for them, but that’s all I can do. But if I get elected into a position second to the governor, it would give me the latitude to have more agencies to ask for their assistance. So that’s one plus. There are other things that I think I can put my two senses in. Legislation that impacts education, or deals primarily with other agencies. I intend to have a stronger voice in government, to be part of the decision-making,” she added.

With Mr. Fitial as running mate, Dr. Inos envisions her role as both a partner and a supporter to the gubernatorial candidate’s platform.

She added her contributions would serve as complimentary to the efforts of Mr. Fitial, with his vast experience and knowledge in public office.

One of two woman candidates aiming for the Lt. Gov.’s seat, Dr. Inos said it is high time that more women got involved in community issues.

“I always reach out to the public and say, every public issue is a woman’s issue,” she said.