It has just come to my attention that there will be a public hearing on June 3, 2011 at 6 p.m. in the House of Representatives chamber regarding allegations made by several teachers at MHS who are disgruntled about the way in which Mr. Craig Garrison has conducted himself as principal of Marianas High School during the 2010/2011 school year.
Several general comments need to be made before specifics are discussed. Also, no names will be published by me because legal issues may be involved.
1) Sixteen teachers have been transferred or retired during the 2010/2011 school year. Twelve of those teachers are white and four are local. Some retired and the rest were/are being transferred. None are being fired as claimed.
2) The teachers who were transferred deserve this status. In my professional opinion as an educator, his decisions were justified. Many of these transfers were long overdue and showed great courage in my opinion in doing so.
3) The initiators of this hearing have the following complaints:
• Mr. Garrison insists on English being spoken IN THE CLASSROOM at all times. This rule was in response to complaints that some local teachers were assisting local students during exams by speaking local languages during class time (allegedly) giving answers or clues to local students whilst ignoring other non locals. Also, need we be reminded that this school system is funded with federal money and is part of the U.S. chain of school systems.
• Mr. Garrison admonished a teacher for constantly chewing betelnut during school hours and encouraging our students to do the same. This is in direct violation of school policy. Mr. Garrison has every right to reprimand any teacher who violates these rules.
The complaints have no basis in fact and I’m sorry that legislators who are busy with more pressing issues have to take their valuable time to discuss this non issue.
Here are the positive changes that Mr. Garrison has instituted.
1) Every student in the school has been issued laptop computers which puts our students on an equal plane with stateside schools.
2) He has been supportive of AP course program at this school. He has an academic vision to make MHS have the highest rate of college bound students in the CNMI.
3) He has added audio visual and computer equipment to every classroom. These changes represent state of the art improvements to this school thanks to his ability to seek and acquire funding.
4) He has improved the quad area of the school. The previous stage was a potential liability. He lowered the stage and placed benches and tables which has made this entire area student friendly.
5) He has placed new air-conditioning units in each classroom.
6) He has created a new teacher’s lounge which is a vast improvement.
In conclusion, Craig Garrison is an outstanding principal. He has made many necessary changes at MHS, all for good solid reasons. He is hard working, dedicated, and extremely efficient. He has the best interests of our students in mind at all times. I support him without reservation.
I will be present at the hearing. I request that this letter be entered into testimony on June 3, 2011.
DONALD COHEN
Teacher, MHS
