Camacho to Tinian PSS stakeholders: I’m here to listen

Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho recently met and engaged with Tinian Public School System staff and personnel to hear directly from stakeholders on what needs to be done to guide him in accomplishing more.

The Tinian visit last Jan. 24, which is the second leg of Camacho’s “listening tour,” saw him speak before a crowd of close to 200 public education staff and personnel. His conversation with PSS personnel was aimed toward learning more about everyone’s role, and how the school district leadership can provide continuous support and services.

“I came here with a clear expectation: to hear from you,” Camacho told Tinian Elementary School, Tinian Middle School, and Tinian High School staff and personnel at a gathering at the THS cafeteria.

“I am not a miracle worker. But I am here to listen to you and make things work for you, for all of us in the Public School System. I will do my very best. I am reachable and accessible,” he added. “On a personal level, I am with you. This is not the last of my visit but part of an ongoing engagement that will make sure you are all part of the process.”

Tinian’s elected Board of Education member and former chairperson, Antonio L. Borja, welcomed Camacho upon his arrival on Tinian. This was Camacho’s first time to visit Tinian since being named Education commissioner on Jan. 8.

Camacho’s “listening tour” aims to engage with the close to 1,500 teaching and non-teaching personnel of PSS, as part of his long-term goal of a student-centered and educator-driven school district. Meeting with Rota PSS stakeholders was his first stop earlier this month.

At the start of his term, Camacho pledged to spend his “first 100 days” listening and talking with all public education stakeholders.

He believes PSS can achieve more because it is the “home of professionals” that advocates for every child’s success. “I will not spend most of the time on Capital Hill and pretend to know everything because I am a firm believer that we are all professionals who listen to each other in getting things done for our children.”

‘Like you’

Jan. 24 was a learning day for Camacho when he toured and spoke with Tinian students.

“What’s good about Tinian Middle School?” he asked a group of students. “Everything,” they chorused.

“Actually, it’s the leadership class that we have here in middle school,” said another student. He was referring to the Middle School Leadership Corps that was implemented by PSS in all middle/junior high schools on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. The program prepares these students as they transition to high school’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Another student chimed in, “We need more fun [activities].”

Camacho agrees with the students. “I’m glad to be able to meet with all of you. This is what we are here for—to hear from you.”

In visiting various classrooms, he shared with Tinian public school students how public education played a crucial part in his childhood.

“I also believe in our public education system. I was once a student like you,” he said, sharing how he finished his elementary years at the then-San Roque Elementary School, which was later renamed after his grandfather, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School.

Camacho went to attend Hopwood Middle School and finished high school at Marianas High School.

“My grandfather used to drop me at school, and I am happy that my former school was renamed after him,” Camacho said.

“As you can see, you can also be leaders. What I am today is because of the good education I received [in the CNMI] and because of that, I am humbled to serve as your commissioner of Education.” (PR)