(PSS) — Donna Moore Flores, the director of the Special Education Program of the Public School System, has been appointed interim commissioner of education by the Board of Education effective Sept. 2, 2023.
BOE Chairman Antonio L. Borja said Flores will “oversee a seamless transition and ensure the continuity of programs and services of our Public School System.”
Flores was among the four PSS officials vetted for the position following Commissioner Dr. Alfred B. Ada’s resignation due to health reasons effective Sept. 1.
“Following the selection process, Director Flores was appointed based on her merit,” Borja said. “Her over 25 years in public service attests to her capability…to provide a steady leadership that responds to the needs, values, and goals of our Public School System and its stakeholders.”
He added, “She has demonstrated unmatched leadership skills and rational thinking solely earned from hard work — and our school district is proud of her contributions. We are excited that she will assist us all in advancing the interests of our students and stakeholders.”
Flores has a master’s degree (cum laude) in education law with concentration in K-12 from Shepard Broad College of Law-Nova Southeastern University, Florida. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in education with concentration in rehabilitative human services from Northern Marianas College.
“My gratitude and appreciation to our BOE members for their trust,” she said. “It was not an easy decision for me to accept this appointment, but because we have urgent tasks ahead of us, I was assured by our policymakers of their support in our work to be able to deliver what is expected of us,” she added.
“We will continue working with our education leaders, advocates, parents and families in providing optimum educational services to our students,” Flores said.
PSS provides services to Head Start/Early Head Start children, early intervention, special education, elementary, middle and high school students.
The Special Education Program is the single largest program under PSS, with its stakeholders accounting for about 11% of the overall PSS student population. Its employees, for their part, represent 21% of PSS’ total workforce.
In addition, the PSS Special Education Program administers one of the school district’s largest federal grants: the $6.2 million Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA Part B Formula Grants, which assist states and school districts in providing a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities, ages 3 through 21.
PSS-SPED has continuously managed the grant with a high level of accountability as indicated by the findings of consecutive external audits.
According to the BOE, Flores “has demonstrated her commitment to community development and public service through her years of impactful involvement and connections as a disabilities advocate, a notary public, council member, and other community roles and activities.”
“Her dedication to fostering collaboration and her commitment to this community make her a great fit to lead our PSS family in an interim capacity,” the BOE added.
Of her more than 25 years in public service, she has spent nearly 14 years with the PSS Special Education Program. She started her career as a personnel specialist and recruiter, and eventually was appointed as personnel and compliance program manager.
In 2020, she was appointed interim director of the PSS Special Education Program following the passing of her mentor, longtime educator Suzanne Wilson Lizama.
In 2021, Flores was appointed program director by Commissioner Ada.
Donna Flores
