NMC board firm in decision on McPhetres

As far as the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents is concerned, Agnes McPhetres’ resignation stands.

According to board chair Charles V. Cepeda, the members are still “digesting” Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s letter to the board supporting McPhetres’ reinstatement but the decision made in Friday’s meeting to accept her resignation stands—at least for now.

Fitial, after learning that the board had approved McPhetres’ removal, had written to Cepeda late Friday, saying he still considers McPhetres an active member of the board as he didn’t receive nor accepted the letter from the former regent, although it was leaked to the media.

As the appointing authority to the NMC board, Fitial told the chairman that as far as his office is concerned McPhetres is still a board member because the resignation was not actually tendered, served, or effectuated.

Yesterday, Cepeda admitted he had met with the board’s legal counsels and had instructed them to further “review” the governor’s letter.

“We’re still digesting the governor’s letter. We sat down today and discussed the various scenarios with our legal counsel. We’re expecting an opinion by tomorrow. However, at this moment, the board decision made last Friday still stands,” Cepeda said.

The chairman added that when the board made its decision Friday, they left all other options open.

Fitial, in hoping the board will reconsider its decision, had emphasized that when he and McPhetres met they agreed that the regent’s resignation would not serve the best interest of NMC and the community.

“I hope this clears up any misunderstanding concerning the status of Regent McPhetres,” Fitial told Cepeda.

However, Cepeda said yesterday that based on the explanation provided by McPhetres during Friday’s meeting, “she said she did deliver the resignation.”

Cepeda said the board will still “take a look and see if everything falls on firm legal ground” in its decision on McPhetres’ case.

“The board had decided to accept the resignation and that’s final. But then with respect to the governor, we would take a look and see if everything falls on firm legal ground,” he said.

Cepeda admitted that the board does not want the issue to be dragged into the court because of litigation cost that may be involved.

“It’s the reason why we’re making sure that our decision is based on legal guidelines,” he said.

Cepeda said the board is currently challenged by the “many distractions” that are affecting the students and the college’s focus on completing the accreditation requirements.

“We want to put a rest to all these issues as quickly as possible so that we can continue to move forward,” the chairman said, adding an apology to students and staffers who have been affected by the “mess.”