By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
SENATOR Manny Gregory T. Castro on Thursday pre-filed Senate Bill 24-51, which would reduce the number of Board of Education members required to form a quorum from four to three.
The bill, which Castro will formally introduce in the next Senate session, also seeks to allow members to attend meetings electronically.
Castro previously co-authored a similar bill with Rep. John Paul Sablan when he was a member of the House in the 23rd Legislature. The House passed that bill, but the Senate did not act on it.
Under S.B. 24-51, only three members would be required to constitute a quorum, provided that members from at least two senatorial districts are present, either in person or via teleconference. To remove a member for conviction of a felony, corruption, neglect of duty, or mental or physical incapacitation, the bill would also allow only three voting members to concur.
The bill notes that allowing a simple majority to constitute a quorum is a standard that promotes efficiency and orderly administration of government. As duly elected officials, BOE members have a solemn duty to perform their responsibilities diligently, the bill states. Failure to attend to critical matters undermines the operations of the Public School System and adversely affects educational opportunities for students, the bill added. Such neglect must be addressed through strengthened statutory provisions to ensure accountability and effective governance, the bill stated.
Last week, amid the Public School System’s financial challenges, the BOE failed to meet because two of its five elected members — Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong of Saipan and Vice Chairman Anthony Dela Cruz Barcinas of Rota — did not attend.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
