“We need to make sure we are all working together for the betterment of the commonwealth — that is, look at higher education, so we can focus on the future and ultimately improve the higher educational offerings provided here to citizens,” NMC President Sharon Y. Hart said.
Retired educator and now a staffer of Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Jack Angelo said NMC should recognize that the Legislature and the college are “in this together.”
“I’ve always cared for Northern Marianas College. Now that I’m working in the legislative branch, I hope [NMC] understands the fact that the Legislature does have the right to modify and change certain legislation affecting the college with their input, of course,” he said.
He added that he respects NMC’s autonomy, but noted that “it’s autonomy to a point.”
He hopes that the college will continue talks on working to improve accreditation.
Angelo worked for six years at NMC, overseeing its vocational education and other programs.
Sen. Jovita M. Taimanao, Ind.-Rota, said the Legislature and NMC can work together through positive communication.
“The meeting will talk about bills pertaining to the college and more importantly, the NMC budget, which will be forthcoming,” she told Variety.
She added, “I feel that this meeting will bring us closer together to work as partners, and I really do welcome [Dr. Hart] to the CNMI. She wants us to work together.”
The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate chamber.
