INTERIM Education Commissioner Donna Flores said with the help of the Board of Education, she aims at a seamless transition in the Public School System.
In an interview on Sunday, Flores, the director of PSS Special Education Program, said she was very thankful that the board recognized the hard work and dedication that her office provides.
She said special education may appear to be a “small” program, but it performs “very big things” and works directly with students, teachers and staff at all levels, including those in transportation, food and nutrition, and maintenance.
Flores, who has been with the special education program for 14 years now, said she was very appreciative that those factors were considered, among other things.
“I am going to do my best — I always do my best — and I just want to move the students forward during this transition, especially considering that major things are happening, including a lot of federal visitors [from the] U.S. Department of Education and accreditation [agencies],” she said.
“I am also looking forward to seeing that whoever is going to sit at the helm of PSS permanently will be provided the same support from all of us including myself,” she said.
BOE Chairman Antonio L. Borja, in a separate interview, said the board chose Flores because she is the director of the PSS division servicing about 11% of the CNMI student population.
He said she can work under pressure and is a forward thinker.
“I’m looking forward to working with her. Her [work] experience has been really great, and I am hoping to see that in her capacity as interim commissioner. I am very hopeful,” he said.
Flores was appointed interim commissioner following Commissioner Dr. Alfred B. Ada’s resignation due to health reasons effective Sept. 1.
Donna Flores
