PSS execs, MHS principal snub public hearing

Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, Public School System human resource officer Charlie Kenty, and Marianas High School principal Craig Garrison snubbed Friday’s public hearing called by the House Committee on Education that was looking into issues surrounding the oldest public high school in the CNMI.

Committee chair Rep. Raymond Palacios (Cov-Saipan) expressed disappointment on the “no show” of key people who were expected to shed light on allegations brought to the House committee.

“I am very disappointed that even the commissioner and the HR officer are not here [despite the panel’s invitation]. We were not provided any reason at all except for Mr. Garrison who mentioned about a graduation rehearsal at his school,” Palacios told Saipan Tribune.

The two-hour hearing was attended by 24 people in the gallery and received testimonies from seven people, majority of whom are MHS classroom teachers.

Palacios, after hearing the emotional appeals of those who testified against Garrison’s leadership style and character, admitted that he was “touched” by the individual stories and at the same time “alarmed” on the possible impact it could have on students and PSS in general.

“One thing I observed today: they were very emotional as they were telling their stories. Just by showing their emotions, maybe their allegations are true. So my plan is to provide all members these testimonies and evidence they presented and we will schedule a meeting next week and we will take it from there. But definitely, we will be recommending something to the Board of Education. However, whatever these recommendations are…it will all depend on what the committee will decide,” said Palacios, reiterating the panel’s position not to micromanage MHS or PSS.

“Our hope is they [PSS and BOE] will do something about this problem because if this will continue, students will be mostly affected,” he added.

All individuals who provided oral and written testimonials during Friday’s hearing described Garrison as arrogant, disrespectful, and a big threat to students of MHS.

James Yangetmai, who started all the allegations against Garrison and who staged a four-day protest in April, was also the first to address the committee members—repeating all claims against Garrison’s character and management practices including “firing” MHS’ long-time educators.

Yangetmai, in his almost hour-long testimony, even presented evidence of Garrison’s arrogance and disrespect to teachers including recorded videos and conversations with affected individuals.

The disgruntled teacher also accused Garrison of “lying” about the real figures of employees who were fired and reassigned.

He claimed that MHS currently has a “climate of fear and retaliation” as a result of Garrison’s threats. “They have fear of losing their jobs and this is the same reason why they opted not to show [up] today in this hearing.”

After reading his multiple-page “testimony,” Yangetmai said the commissioner of education failed to intervene and resolve the problems at MHS.

However, Yangetmai admitted that he hasn’t filed any formal grievance against the principal when asked by House member Rep. Frank Dela Cruz (R-Saipan) during the inquiry.

MHS teacher William Rosenburg, who has been at the institution for several years, claimed that Garrison is using “too much power” and made decisions that were not based on proper procedures, and operates without decent restraints.

“’If you pissed me off, I am going to fire you!’ This is a strong statement made by Mr. Garrison. He’s using and was given too much power and authority. He made his decisions that are not based on procedures,” Rosenburg told the panel, saying that the “grievance policy” of BOE has several exemptions which are personnel issues.

Chemistry teacher Kurt Bohman, for his part, shared how he was affected by the hostile working environment at MHS. He cited several occasions when he witnessed the principal uttering “improper words” to teachers and employees. Bohman only joined the MHS faculty this school year and was hired from off-island.

“I can’t explain every occurrence of Mr. Garrison’s behavior that he personally affected me but I can explain how I feel. I feel bad every day. I hang my head down low when I go to school. I feel completely useless, disconnected, and unappreciated…If PSS or the commissioner would have done more to stop this issue from getting this far, we wouldn’t be here right now,” he said, asking the committee to help solve the situation.

Bohman admitted that he was relieved when he got his letter of reassignment “because I could get away from Mr. Garrison.”

Robert Peate, a teacher assigned at MHS’ alternative education program, was also emotional when he shared his frustrations about the principal, which he claimed was the reason for the delay in the implementation of the program that aims to help students from dropping out of school.

Peate provided to the committee exchanges of emails with the principal indicating the grave abuse of “words” used against the commissioner and other persons. He likened the MHS situation to that of the conflict between South Korea and North Korea. Peate claimed that Garrison disobeyed, in many occasions, the wishes and instruction of commissioner Sablan for the alternative program. Peate confirmed that he’s leaving MHS and that he can’t tolerate the abuses he sees everyday.

Special education teacher Melissa Duffy was also emotional when she appealed to the panel for help.

“At MHS, it’s ego first…not students first,” she said, adding that she witnessed how Garrison’s “behavior and arrogance” are affecting students. She said the principal not only yells, but also threatened some students.

During the hearing, Rep. Frank Dela Cruz admitted that the panel will pursue the investigation against the MHS administrator.

For Lumi Bermudes, former vice principal at MHS for four years and now assigned in the Chamorro Carolinian Language Heritage Studies program, said present problems at MHS have something to do with “character issue and how the principal approaches” people.

Bermudes, who admitted being a friend of Garrison, said she cannot tolerate the decisions made by the administrator against some employees whom she described as trustworthy, reliable, and dependable.

She told the story of two support staffers who were accused of stealing school-owned scrap metal and were forced to resign from their positions.

“I find it disturbing because I have worked for many years with these staff. I made my own investigation and I found out myself that these individuals were permitted to get the scrap metal but were later forced to admit that they stole it…” she said, adding that despite Garrison’s “findings” that they stole the materials, PSS failed to establish proof that only led to their transfer to another school and not dismissal from service.

A resident from Koblerville also appeared before the panel and asked it to seriously look into the situation at MHS.

“I’ve been watching him since he was at SSHS…I am concerned because I have children who go to the school. I know he has talent, but I believe Mr. Garrison is not fit to become a principal,” added the resident.