Frances Taimanao
(MCS) — Mount Carmel School announces the retirement of current President Frances Taimanao. She first assumed the mantle in an “acting” capacity back in 2021 and officially took on the role the year after in 2022.
“It has been an immense privilege to serve this Mount Carmel School family as president. I am thankful to all those who have supported me and the school these past years and cannot wait to return to my original passion of teaching,” she said.
Taimanao has been a part of the Mount Carmel School family for 19 years since 2005. She has served as a teacher for elementary, middle, and high school classes, eventually ascending the ranks to school principal. Taimanao’s impact on Mount Carmel School cannot be understated. Her steadfast commitment has transitioned the school through supertyphoons and remote learning during and after the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.
MCS Principal Filmah Buenaflor said Taimanao’s “dedication to the MCS family is unquestionable and her leadership expertise was invaluable when numerous challenges came our way. We are grateful for her service and thankful she has decided to return to her passion of teaching.”
Looking ahead to next school year, newly elected MCS Board Chair Joseph Taijeron said, “I look forward to working with the new MCS board of directors, faculty, and staff to bring new ideas and a different vibe to the school. We will work tirelessly to increase school spirit for current students and our AlumKnights. Together, the board and I will support school improvements in academics as well as in extracurricular activities, particularly sports. We will miss President Taimanao and her outstanding leadership.”
Succeeding Taimanao is 1990 AlumKnight and current MCS Business Manager John Blanco. Being no stranger to MCS, Blanco has served as the school’s director of institutional development and spearheaded the founding of the AlumKnight Association. He also has experience working in the public sector management under the CNMI Department of Commerce. “I hope to continue the terrific work of President Taimanao and former President Galvin Deleon Guerrero in bolstering MCS’ impactful legacy of education, excellence, and service. I encourage everyone — students, employees, families, and AlumKnights — to play a part in shaping the future and legacy of MCS for years to come,” Blanco said.
To further support the incoming president and the school’s programs, the school has promoted 2017 AlumKnight and current teacher Zeno Deleon Guerrero Jr. as vice principal starting this school year. “It feels surreal looking back at my journey from student to teacher to acting vice-principal at MCS. There is a thrill to the change, and I am excited to continue making an impact for our youth and island community,” he said.
MCS is set to begin classes on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. Parents are also welcomed and encouraged to attend a Parent Orientation & Open House earlier in the week on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 starting at 5 pm. at the MCS Gym. Enrollment for certain grade levels is still open. Call the MCS main office at (670) 234-6184 or the business office at (670) 235-1201 for more information.
