By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

EDUCATION Commissioner David M. Borja says he is establishing close ties with school principals and administrators by meeting with them individually besides the regular principals meeting every month.
Borja said he started his “one-on-one” conversations with each principal early last month and met all 20 principals before the professional development days last week.
“This is the best method of getting to know the principals and administrators better,” he said. “Talking one-on-one with them will bring them closer to the system and that’s my goal — to establish closer ties and good working relationships with all the principals,” Borja told Variety in an interview.
He said “important” things are discussed in the meetings which usually take place in his office.
“I need to hear from the principals and administrators their perspectives on the daily routine, what they go through, so I have a better understanding of what’s happening on their campuses,” Borja said, adding that these discussions are usually about teacher and student performance.
Borja said “our common concern is to place student learning at the top of our priorities.”
This means, he added, “ensuring that we have quality teachers.”
Borja said he emphasizes the need for each school to spend money wisely.
He also encourages school fundraisers and donations from private businesses.
Kagman High School principal Alfred Ada said the regular meetings with Borja “will help establish better relationships between administrators and the system.”
Borja said Ada, like other principals, has set goals for Kagman High.
“Mr. Ada identified three main goals that he’s working on right now —standards, assessment and programs,” Borja said.