(PSS) — The Public School System is paying tribute to two tireless educators whose careers span some of the most important chapters in PSS history.
Jackie Quitugua and Dr. Rizalina G. Liwag have both stepped down from the school district after decades of service and leadership. They began their careers in the classroom and went on to guide PSS through periods of growth, transition, and challenge.
Their departures mark the end of two significant chapters in Northern Marianas public education, leaving a lasting imprint on classrooms and the community. Their careers mirror the story of PSS itself, from its early beginnings to its development as an autonomous agency.
Quitugua joined the system during its foundational years when PSS operated as a department under the CNMI central government. At the time, the central office was housed at Lower Base before later moving to the Nauru Building area in Susupe. She retired on Dec. 30 as senior director for student support services.
Liwag entered PSS during its early years as an autonomous agency, a period that saw the system transition from a central government department into an independent education system. PSS formally became autonomous in 1988. She left Dec. 30 as senior director for curriculum and instructional service and support.
“These two education leaders, Jackie A. Quitugua and Dr. Rizalina G. Liwag, have, for most of us, witnessed the foundation and growth of our Public School System,” Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho said. “Their wisdom and experience carried us forward through many challenges and led to numerous successes. PSS continues to grow stronger every day because of indefatigable educators like Mrs. Quitugua and Dr. Liwag, who have fully invested in the learning of our children.”
Personal care
Quitugua leaves a 44-year career in education and a reputation for her passion and personal care for student learning. She is widely known for her expertise in curriculum, instruction, assessment, state testing, teacher training, data management, health and career pathways, parental involvement, and community engagement.
She began as a classroom teacher in Guam, serving seven years, before joining PSS on Rota from 1972 to 1973. She later returned to the classroom from 1983 to 1984. Her dedication caught the attention of district leaders, and she served as an education specialist from 1984 through 2006.
Quitugua then worked alongside several commissioners of education, helping to develop, expand, and strengthen PSS operations in curriculum and instruction. She held key leadership posts as associate commissioner from 2006 to 2020 and as senior director from 2020 to 2024. She was central in crafting PSS’s strategic priorities — the long-term blueprint guiding the district’s growth since it became an autonomous agency.
Proactive
Dr. Liwag is recognized for her proactive leadership over more than three decades, supporting commissioners of education through her work in district administration, school leadership, instructional systems, accountability, and community partnerships.
She began her PSS career in 1995 as a classroom teacher at Sinapalo Elementary School in Rota, where she taught for eight years. She then taught at Koblerville Elementary School from 2003 to 2008. Liwag served as principal of Koblerville Elementary School from 2010 to 2017 and principal of Hopwood Middle School from 2017 to 2020.
In 2021, she moved into district leadership as senior director for the PSS Office of Accountability, Research, and Evaluation, serving until 2024. From 2024 until Dec. 30, she served as senior director for curriculum and instructional service and support.
