James Yangetmai, Marianas High School teacher, told the House Education Committee chaired by Rep. Raymond D. Palacios, Covenant-Saipan, that Garrison’s leadership style “will deteriorate the quality of education at MHS.”
Garrison, who described the hearing as “micro-management” on the part of lawmakers and a “clear waste” of taxpayer money, did not attend. But he submitted his testimony to Palacios that was published by the Variety on Friday. (See http://www.mvariety.com/2011060237356/letter-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-dear-rep.-raymond-d.-palacios.php)
Due to intimidation “teachers are fearful of his presence and retaliation,” Yangetmai said, referring to Garrison.
Yangetmai claimed that Garrison publicly shouted at special education teachers on multiple occasions, adding that another teacher broke down in front of her class after being scolded by the principal in front of students.
Rep. Francisco S. Dela Cruz, R-Saipan, noted the lack of proper grievance procedures for Yangetmai and other affected individuals.
A first-time teacher at MHS, Kurt Bohman, gave a rather emotional testimony.
“Inside the school we have to watch who we talk to in fear of losing jobs,” he said. “Teachers are afraid of retaliation which is probably why most of them are not here tonight.”
Robert Peate and Melissa Duffy, who moved to Saipan this past year with the understanding that they would be working in an already developed alternative education program at MHS, said they were blind-sided when they were told to design the program.
Due to lack of planning and preparation, the two became part of MHS’s “substitute pool,” Peate said. “We did not come across the ocean to substitute.”
The program has still yet to be opened, he added.
Teary-eyed, Peate admitted that he “was not sure if I should testify tonight due to fear of retaliation, but the fear is less important than the students.”
Other complaints against Garrison included invasions of privacy, false accusations of theft, and his announcements of disdain for his superiors.
Noting the absence of Garrison, the commissioner of education, and the Public School System’s human resources officer at the hearing, Palacios said: “I am really bothered. If these are fake allegations this would have been their opportunity to present [their side] to us.”
“It appears that we have a character and attitude issue with Garrison,” Dela Cruz added. “This committee will go forward with this investigation and get to the bottom of it.”
