BOE wants Bennett out of the board

The Board of Education decided Thursday afternoon to recall teacher representative Ambrose Bennett, which could result in Bennett’s ouster from the board and a search for a new teacher representative.

Board member Herman T. Guerrero said it was a unanimous decision that Bennett be removed from the board on several grounds. He said these were discussed during a special meeting at the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning Center at the Marianas High School.

Guerrero said that Bennett was part of the agenda during Thursday’s meeting but before discussions could get down to him, Bennett left the meeting due to some personal reasons.

Bennett said the board is now trying to get Gov. Juan N. Babauta to kick him off the board. “Evidently, they didn’t read the newspaper when the governor said he had no intention of removing me from office,” he said.

Guerrero said teachers have also approached board members to tell them that Bennett does not really represent them.

“Bennett does not have respect for the board. He has always been reminded, if not reprimanded, of what the board’s policies are but he still does what he wants, even if it is incongruent with board decisions,” said Guerrero, adding that the board was hurt when Bennett belittled the capacity of board chair Roman Benavente.

Bennett, however, insists that he has done nothing that would merit his ouster.

“I haven’t done anything to be removed,” said Bennett. The board, he said, is frustrated because they could not “control” him or his activities. “I am not and will not become a ‘puppet’ of the board just so I can be a member.”

Bennett said the recall is just another attempt by the board to intimidate him and the teachers. He said it is a warning that, if one speaks out, “they will get you” and that is the main reason he is helping teachers acquire representation in the form of a union.

“The board needs to respect teachers’ right to organize. They [board members] also need to understand that what’s good for the gander—teachers—is also good for the goose—the board. They must prove they are truly qualified to be board members,” he said.

“They can go ahead and send the letter but it won’t solve their problem because the problem is them, not me,” Bennett added.

Guerrero said the board would forward the letter to the Office of the Governor within the week.