Borja announced his retirement after the Board of Education told him to resign or face termination.
A small gathering and farewell ceremony was held in Borja’s office during lunch time yesterday.
The event, which was supposedly to start at 1 p.m., was delayed by nearly two hours following a closed-door and emotional farewells from school principals.
While PSS staff gathered in the lobby, a meeting among the leadership team was being conducted by BOE Vice Chairman Herman T. Guerrero and member Marylou S. Ada. Both did not appear at Borja’s farewell gathering.
A staffer who has been with the system for 15 years said, “We’re truly sad…we’ve been crying since we learned about it. For the many years I’ve been with the system, I can say that he is truly loved by the staff and employees here.”
Another employee, who also declined to be identified, said the news broke their hearts.
“He may not be a perfect person but honestly, he’s an individual who has a big heart for everybody,” the employee said. “The commissioner’s office has never been this open to employees and staff until he came on board and we admire him for showing compassion even to the lower ranked staff.”
Several employees were teary-eyed as they were interviewed by this reporter.
“We came here to pay respect and honor to Mr. Borja for showing his compassion to all of us,” one of them said. “We will always be grateful for all the time he listened to us.”
“Whatever the decision of the board, we’re hoping it’s the right one for PSS,” another one said.
They noted that Borja was not given “due process” by the board.
At exactly 2 p.m., Borja opened his office door and walked to the lobby with the school principals.
A plaque of appreciation, a certificate of appreciation, a bulletin board full of messages and notes, balloons and food were offered to the outgoing commissioner.
Borja thanked his staff for their cooperation and dedication and encouraged them to continue to do their best to support student learning.
The associate commissioner for instruction and curriculum and now acting commissioner, Jackie Quitugua, said Borja’s commitment to his job was exemplary and admirable.
“He touched our lives…he’s always here to listen and stand for us — we will miss him a lot,” said an emotional Quitugua.
Borja, who serves at the pleasure of the board, has two years left in his four-year contract.
