By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

TEACHER representative to the Board of Education Ambrose Bennett and three principals on Saipan are among the six applicants for the associate education commissioner’s post.
Kagman High School principal Alfred Ada, Koblerville Elementary School principal Eric Evangelista, and Chacha Oceanview Junior High principal Vincent Dela Cruz submitted their applications on Jan. 5.
The other applicants for the position are classroom teacher Richard Puahalla and Carmen Fernandez of Guam.
Education Commissioner David M. Borja, in an interview, said the Public School System will name the best qualified individual to the position which he occupied for several years.
“We have enough candidates for this position and we are confident that we can name a permanent one soon,” he told Variety on Friday.
The salary for the position ranges from $50,000 to $65,000.
The vacancy was announced on Dec. 18 and Jan. 5 was the last day for the acceptance of applications.
Borja’s former post has been vacant since he became the education commissioner in June.
PSS wants his successor to have a master’s degree in educational administration or related areas and at least five years of progressively responsible teaching or educational administrative experience.
‘Re-open announcement’
In related news, Borja said since only two candidates applied for the PSS finance director position, they will seek more applicants.
The position has been vacant since Richard Waldo retired on Nov. 29.
“We will reopen the announcement for Mr. Waldo’s former position so that we can conduct a more thorough search,” Borja said. “This is a very important position that needs great capabilities and expertise,” he added.
The school system’s human resources office is now processing the re-announcement papers which will be published as soon as possible, Borja said
PSS is seeking a certified public accountant for the finance director’s position, which is considered “exempt status,” or not eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time and is paid on a salary basis.