{"id":411724,"date":"2024-07-18T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=411724"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"Local-funds-used-to-pay-PSS-settlement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/Local-funds-used-to-pay-PSS-settlement\/","title":{"rendered":"Local funds used to pay PSS settlement"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Public School System has reportedly used local funds to pay a recent settlement.<\/p>\n

During PSS\u2019 budget hearing before the House Standing Committee on Ways and Means last Tuesday, it was learned that a recent PSS settlement that made headlines was paid by local funds.<\/p>\n

Although the specific settlement was not disclosed during the hearing, the most recent settlement involving PSS that made headlines was the settlement between PSS and Dr. Bobby Cruz, co-director of PSS\u2019 Mental Health Program.<\/p>\n

Rep. Marissa Flores (Ind-Saipan) opened the discussion regarding the settlement and settlement payments during her line of questioning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a lawsuit that was adjudicated, how is that lawsuit being paid? One that was just settled for an undisclosed amount, how is that being paid? That made the newspaper,\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Despite PSS\u2019 reluctance to answer, it was learned that local funds were used to pay the settlement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would have to be local funds,\u201d said PSS\u2019 team.<\/p>\n

In her follow up, Flores brought up that PSS does not have discretion to use local funds for settlements but her statement left PSS\u2019 administration speechless.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut in none of the local funds does it say that [PSS] has discretion to use them for any lawsuits,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Aside from the settlement with Cruz, Saipan Tribune<\/em> learned that PSS is currently involved in two ongoing lawsuits; one regarding a fight that happened on school property, and an appeal of a procurement matter involving photo copy services.<\/p>\n

According to Saipan Tribune<\/em> archives, back in February, PSS and Dr. Bobby Cruz, agreed to settle the grievances that Cruz had filed where he alleged sexual harassment and rights violation.<\/p>\n

Cruz\u2019s attorney, Charity Hodson, and the PSS administration sent out a joint statement reporting that a settlement has been reached between the parties.<\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Cruz\u2019s grievance has been settled. We acknowledge the diligence and courage demonstrated by Dr. Cruz throughout the process and his decision to opt for an effective alternative to the grievance resolution,\u201d said the statement.<\/p>\n

The parties, without going into detail, state that the resolution addresses both parties\u2019 concerns. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed<\/p>\n

\u201cThis resolution was of paramount importance, as it manifested the collective intention of the Public School System and the aggrieved party, Dr. Bobby Cruz, an employee of PSS, to address the underlying issues pertaining to the PSS\u2019 grievance procedures concerning commissioners of Education. The PSS respects every right of its employees,\u201d said the statement.<\/p>\n

PSS, in its statement, said it is committed to fostering an environment that protects the well-being of its students, staff, and personnel.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we move forward, PSS remains committed to fostering an environment that protects, promotes, and safeguards the well-being of students, staff, and personnel. We acknowledge the diligence and courage demonstrated by Dr. Cruz throughout the process and his decision to opt for an effective alternative to the grievance resolution. Together, we pledge to create an environment that reflects our dedication to putting \u2018Students First\u2019 while fostering a culture within the workplace aimed to uphold our values for high standards of professionalism and respect,\u201d said the statement.<\/p>\n

The settlement came three weeks after Cruz\u2019s defense team sent out a written motion to the Board of Education and administrative hearing officer Catherine J. Cachero in his ongoing sexual harassment complaint against former Education commissioner Dr. Afred B. Ada.<\/p>\n

The motion demanded Cachero\u2019s disqualification and for the BOE to issue a finding that he has exhausted all administrative relief. That would\u2019ve essentially allowed Cruz to bring his complaint to court.<\/p>\n

Cruz filed grievance against Ada back in November 2022 accusing the commissioner of sexual harassment and other unprofessional conduct, including a reduction in salary.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Marissa Renee Flores<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Last Tuesday, the Public School System appeared before the House Standing Committee on Ways and Means to discuss its fiscal year 2025 budget of over $39 million.<\/p>\n

-KIMBERLY B. ESMORES
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