MHS to continue Aero Dolphins program
Marianas High School vice principal Bobby James A. Cruz said yesterday the Aeronautical Dolphins’ program would go on despite the contract of its former coordinator not being renewed this school year.
The school opted not to renew the contract of John Raulerson, a mathematics teacher who also mentored the two-time Real World Design Challenge national champions Aeronautical Dolphins, which is also a five-time RWDC Pacific State Championship winner.
Despite of the non-renewal of Raulerson’s contract, Cruz is confident the Aero Dolphins is in good hands with RWDC state coordinator Jeaniffer Cubangbang taking over the team this school year.
“The Aeronautical Dolphins is still alive and kicking. And we have a very strong group of students who are going to continue the program forward,” said Cruz in yesterday’s check presentation at McDonald’s Middle Road.
McDonald’s donated $1,000 to MHS as financial assistance to the school that will be used for whatever purpose that may arise.
Cruz said Cubangbang is the likely candidate to replace Raulerson. “Ms. Cubangbang, I believe is going to take on the role as mentor and coach to the students. So we’re excited on what’s going to unfold this school year. We have the highest expectation for the students.
Project manager Ann Margaret Norcio, aircraft design engineer Robert Malate, and systems planner Daniel Villarmero are the remaining members of the Aero Dolphins after four had graduated last June.
Project mathematician Masrur Alam, mission planner Matthew Cao, simulations engineer Jun Young Kim, and marketing specialist Edna Nisola are now attending different academic institutions in the U.S.
Alam will start with his biomechanical engineering degree at the Massachusetts Institute Technology, while Cao is going to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport in Rhode Island, and Kim will be studying at the University of Michigan.
Raulerson was given a non-renewal letter last month by MHS principal Cherlyn Cabrera based on Policy 60-30.3-164 that states the Public School System “will notify employees in writing at least 90 calendar days in advance if it intends to not renew their contract with PSS.”
Cruz said it is MHS’ policy not to discuss personnel matters. “One of the things that we do is not discuss personnel matters. It is important that we protect all of our personnel, our faculty, and staff. That is our role as leaders.”
Raulerson’s last day at MHS is on Oct. 5, a Wednesday.
Mr. Raulerson should be able to continue his mentorship with the Aeronautical Dolphins. It is under his dedication, knowledge, and passion about the program that allows his students to succeed. The rules state that a coach does not have to be a teacher from that school. Therefore, Raulerson and the remaining RWDC members have the option to stay and continue working as a team. Go Aeronautical Dolphins!
Stay in Saipan?! Where will he work? How will he feed his family? Undoubtedly his family and he will leave and go somewhere less stressful. But Cherlyn is a powerful person and she must exercise it otherwise why has she been given this power if not to use it. Such is the nature of power. She has a masters degree in theology. Perhaps she should have exercised any wisdom she acquired there to settle any issue she (certainly scant few of his students had any issues) had with Mr. Raulerson
Raulerson was coach and mentor for those four graduates. Ms Cubangbang is having first week drop-outs for her coop ed & trn classes. And principal Cabrera has not shown her credentials or quals to be a principle. WE WILL MISS YOU AERONAUTICAL DOLPHINS
MR. RAULERSON, HAS HAD 12-: READ IT 12! JOB OFFERS TO CONTINUE TEACHING ON THE MAINLAND… THAT PROGRAM, SHALL NOT.. READ IT- SHALL NOT WIN ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP WITHOUT HIM, PERIOD..SORRY, YOU CAN’T BRIBE THE BOARD- THEY’RE ON THE MAINLAND OF THE U.S.A!…