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Sablan is new PSS commissioner
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Posted on Aug 09 2008
The Public Schools System’s Board of Education named Rita Sablan as the new Education Commissioner Saturday at a specially scheduled meeting.
Sablan was chosen over Ambrose M. Bennett, former CNMI Board of Education teacher representative.
Board chair Lucy Blanco-Maratita said that Sablan, former PSS associate commissioner for Curriculum and Instruction, was chosen “due to the depth of her knowledge and experience in education as shown by her application packet and interview responses.”
The Commissioner of Education reports to the Board of Education and is in charge of all operations for the Public School System.
In order to take office, Sablan must reach an agreement with the Board over a lawsuit she filed in 2006 against the BOE and three past members, Blanco-Maratita said.
Sablan sued after David Borja was named COE over her. In June, Borja was ordered by the board to resign or be fired.
Blanco-Maratita said the lawsuit did not play a part in Sablan’s selection.
Blanco-Maratita said Sablan was chosen as COE this time and not last time because of the makeup of the board.
“There were different members of the board,” she said. “I don’t think it ever got to the point of evaluation with the last board.”
The Board of Education conducted the 50-question interviews with Sablan and Bennett on Wednesday. Blanco-Maratita said Sablan came out on top with her understanding of the school system.
“Ms. Sablan came ahead, particularly in her development and implementation of standards and benchmarks,” she said.
As Commissioner, Sablan will hold the position for four years with annual reviews. She will have a yearly salary of $70,000.
