Miller won’t seek ACT re-election

The incumbent president of the Association of Commonwealth Teachers confirmed yesterday that she won’t be seeking re-election in this week’s polls due to her being a school administrator now.

Betty Miller, vice principal of San Vicente Elementary School, said only one candidate has so far approached the group to signify interest in becoming the organization’s next leader.

Miller, who was elected ACT president last year, is a former classroom teacher who qualified to run for the position. Her appointment to the school administrator position took place after her selection as the group’s president, allowing her to serve in both capacities.

“I am unable to run for re-election as I am currently an administrator,” she told Saipan Tribune yesterday.

The election was supposed to be done by April 28 but the group delayed it due to the unavailability of an election chairperson.

Miller disclosed yesterday that the group had appointed Angie Wheat, a teacher at Kagman Elementary School, as the new election chairwoman.

“I am happy to announce we are now ready to proceed with our election for president and treasurer of ACT,” Miller told teachers in an e-mail message.

Saipan Tribune learned that ballots will be distributed to all school offices this week to begin the voting process.

“All we ask is you cast your vote, staple your ballot closed, and return it to the large manila envelope provided to your office. We ask that all ballots be cast by Friday, May 22. This will allow the committee time to gather, total, and announce the results well in advance of the end of the school year,” she said.

In accordance with ACT bylaws, its president will be the candidate for Teacher Representative to the Board of Education, a position vacated by Ambrose Bennett since 2007.

Miller said all teachers are authorized to vote and doesn’t require becoming an ACT member in order to participate in the election.

Last year’s election involved 290 voters, and Miller is hopeful this election will garner even more voters.

“As of now, only one candidate has come forward for each position. Please do not let this dissuade you from voting. If you support the candidate, please take time to vote for them. If you’d like someone else to be considered for the position, you are welcome to write in the name of another candidate,” Miller told teachers.

The association had recommended Miller for appointment to the teacher rep position but the governor did not act on it due to constitutional issues pertaining to the “bargaining agent” required in the statute.

During her reign as ACT president, Miller was active in teachers’ activities, concerns, and welfare. Just recently, she spearheaded the presentation to the board committee and PSS leadership the proposal to amend the Highly Qualified Teacher policy by reducing the passing score for Praxis 2.

Miller also initiated the proposal to allow more time for non-English teachers in taking Praxis tests, which was approved by PSS management.