“The [Public School System] Human Resources Office will be advised of your selection for reassignment and you will need to work closely with them in finding a suitable location for the duration of your contract,” the memo stated.
But teachers Damiana S. De Guzman-Arkoh and Jerome Faisao Taisacan, who were among those who received the memorandum, described it as a “walking paper” that affected their work.
Yesterday, they filed their leave of absence and joined fellow teacher James Yangetmai in a peaceful mini-protest across from the campus on Beach Road.
In the memo, Garrison said PSS-HRO is collecting data from all schools that will help determine vacancies for school year 2011-2012.
“They may not be able to identify the position for you at this immediate time; however, as we move closer to the end of the school year we will know more. Be sure to contact them at your earliest convenience to express your intent or desired position preference,” the memorandum stated.
Garrison added that “should there be an opportunity to retain your employ here at MHS due to changing circumstances between now and the end of the school year then we will keep you informed.”
But Taisacan said “there’s no guarantee” they can retain their teaching positions.
“I love my job, I love teaching,” Arkoh said, adding that many more teachers at MHS share their sentiments but they are afraid of losing their job.
Yangetmai was joined yesterday by a former MHS teacher, who refused to be identified.
The former teacher said he resigned when he learned that Garrison was “not truthful and is demeaning to us.”
He lauded Yangetmai for calling for the removal of Garrison as MHS principal, saying “it’s about time that somebody overcome the fear and speak out.”
On Tuesday, Rep. Stanley T. Torres introduced a bill that will protect the jobs of public school teachers.
Torres told Variety his Education Amendment Act of 2011 was prompted by the protest action of MHS teachers.
“The Legislature finds this problem also exists at Northern Marianas College, and in effect, all public school teachers and staff members at both the lower and upper levels of our public schools do not have due process protection. This leads to extra stress and low morale at both the staff level and students’ level,” the bill stated.
Yangetmai said they are thankful to Torres, Ind.-Saipan.
He said he’s been getting emails from teachers and friends who express support for what he is doing.
But as of yesterday, he said they had not heard any statement from the Public School System or from the Board of Education.
Yangetmai vowed to continue the protest until Garrison steps down.
Garrison has denied Yangetmai’s allegations.
