Bennett requests for public hearing on BOE complaints

Board of Education teacher representative Ambrose Bennett is asking for a public hearing on the BOE’s complaints against him and is seeking the Legislature’s assistance.

Bennett sent a one-page letter yesterday to House Education Committee chair Justo Quitigua and Reps. Timothy Villagomez, Janet Maratita, Crispin Ogo, and Martin Ada.

He said it is in the best interest of the school system for the complaints raised against him to be “authenticated and justified or deemed invalid.” Bennett told the lawmakers that the board has “manipulated” events and also accused it of lying to the public.

Bennett said that, although the House panel has no authority to “punish” the board or even himself, it has a responsibility to the people of the CNMI to “govern” over the Public School System and inform the public of their own observations.

He said the teachers and the people of the Commonwealth would judge what must be done once the committee’s report is published. Bennett said his fellow teachers and the community would appreciate the House’s investigation with regards to the complaints against him.

The board voted and signed a letter for the Office of the Governor on May 5, asking the governor to rescind Bennett’s position for several reasons, such as his alleged uncooperative attitude toward the goals of the board and some violations he had committed for his “ground-working” activities in public schools.

BOE chair Roman C. Benavente said the board’s decision still stands regarding to their call for Bennett’s replacement on the board.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta earlier urged the board to call for a special teacher representative election in view of the current controversy between the board and Bennett. He said Bennett’s claim of full support from other teachers would manifest in the special election.

Benavente said the board would have to discuss the recommendation of the governor. He said he personally has nothing against Bennett. Professionally, though, Bennett has been very hard to deal with, he added.

Benavente said he would set up a meeting with the board and the governor with regards to the suggested special election because “Bennett is already beyond control.” He said the board is still looking forward to a good relationship with Bennett and, if the teacher representative goes ahead with his threat of a lawsuit against the board, he said that is within Bennett’s rights.