SIX public school principals in the Northern Marianas have retired while one resigned from his post to become a member of the Cabinet, according to Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos.
The seven represent about 35 percent of the principals who left the PSS during the past two years.
The retirees are Jesus A. Songsong of Rota High School, Evelyn Ooka of Oleai Elementary School, Doris T. Thompson of San Antonio Elementary School, Billy A. Billy of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, Martha Haberman of San Vicente Elementary School and Lydia Mendiola of Rota Junior High School.
Juan L. Babauta, the acting principal of Kagman High School, resigned early this year to assume his new post as the secretary of community and cultural affairs.
The former principals will be honored tonight in a ceremony hosted by PSS.
This is the first gathering that will be held to honor the principals though some of them had retired since last year.
“We’re just combining everybody,” Inos said.
There are 18 public schools in the CNMI. Two more will be opened this coming school year.
“We have a very tight group of principals. They have developed camaraderie among themselves. They do things together as professionals,” Inos said.
Tonight’s ceremony, she said, is part of the principals’ efforts to appreciate each other’s work to educate CNMI students.
