He was asked by this reporter to explain the Public School System’s decision to name new acting principals for Rota High School and Koblerville Elementary School.
Garrison at the same time described his one-month experience as education commissioner as enlightening and challenging.
The Board of Education is supposed to name a new commissioner this week or early next week.
Garrison, who is scheduled to go on vacation, expressed gratitude to BOE for giving him an opportunity to serve as commssioner even for a short period of time.
He said it made him aware of some of the challenges that PSS faces and he is glad that he contributed to the resolution of some of them.
“I look forward to continue helping the school system,” Garrison told Variety yesterday.
He will go back to his position as vice principal of Saipan Southern High School upon returning from his vacation.
Garrison said the decision to name new acting principals at two schools was made in good faith and was the result of a “full assessment and review of the many aspects of the equation.”
Rizalina Purugganan is now the new acting principal of Koblerville Elementary School while Sharlene Manglona was named Rota High School’s acting principal.
The school system’s nutritionist, Heejae Lee, was named the new food and nutrition service officer.
The newly appointed acting principals had “issues” with the principals they replaced.
Garrison is convinced that the board will appoint the most qualified applicant for commissioner’s position.Today, the three applicants are scheduled to be interviewed by BOE members.
