The family of the late education pioneer Joaquina Deleon Guerrero “Kinai” Salas, and her colleagues with the PSS Title I federal program, pose for a photo at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wednesday after receiving a distinguished public education award which was presented by Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada and Public School System Federal Program Officer Jacqueline Che, among other education officials.
Joaquina Deleon Guerrero “Kinai” Salas’s daughter Jan speaks on behalf of their late mother’s family. With her are her father Vicente, brother Vach and his son.
THE Public School System on Wednesday morning honored the late longtime educator Joaquina Deleon Guerrero “Kinai” Salas for contributions and pioneering work with PSS and its federal initiatives with CNMI private schools.
Salas’s husband Vicente, their children, grandchildren, and other family members received the “Commendation and Distinguished Public Education Award” from Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, PSS Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline Che, and Melisha San Nicolas, director of Private School Equitable Services and co-ombudsman.
PSS Title I teachers, with whom Kinai Salas worked closely prior to her passing, were also present during the award presentation.
Title I teachers are retired and former highly qualified, highly trained, and experienced educators who serve as “interventionists” to support students struggling academically.
Title I is the largest federal aid program that provides supplemental educational services to help children who need additional support to meet high standards.
At the time of her passing, Kinai Salas was PSS Title I federal program monitor and ombudsman for equitable services. She was appointed to the position in 2016.
She passed away in June 2023.
Salas began her public service journey as a San Vicente Elementary School classroom teacher from 1991 to 2010. She became the school principal from 2010 to 2011.
In the year of her retirement, she was asked by PSS to be part of a group responsible for exploring ways to “help disadvantaged and challenged children succeed.”
The PSS Title I Program was launched in 2011 and was implemented a year later. Kinai Salas was among the first hires and served as Title I teacher from 2012 to 2015.
The Title I program now has over 20 retired educators who assist both public and private schools in various programs including remedial education, instructional activities, coaching and teaching, counseling, parental involvement, program improvement, school management, and leadership.
The Title I Program is implemented throughout the nation with funding from the U.S. Department of Education.
‘Pride and joy’
Speaking on behalf of her family, Kinai’s daughter Jan said: “She was our family, and you were her family. I just wanted to let you all know that you have impacted her life and she has impacted yours.”
“I wanted to thank you all for supporting her all the way. She really truly sees you as her pride and joy,” the daughter told the PSS officials and the Title I teachers.
She recalled how her mother would spend late at night working. “It’s a fulfillment for myself to help them…until I can’t (anymore),” the daughter said, quoting her late mother.
“It’s the 30-plus years of teaching, mentoring and helping us all that (kept her going)… and thank you to all of you,” Jan said.
Kinai’s son Vachel said his mother’s “passion and commitment” to serve the children came from her heart.
Speaking on behalf of PSS, Commissioner of Education Dr. Ada said he worked with Kinai at San Vicente Elementary School.
“She was a second grade teacher when I started working with SVES. It was because of her that I continue to remind myself today how important education is, especially and including early childhood education when our children begin to receive the foundation of learning,” Ada said.
In presenting the award to Kinai’s family, Ada also praised all Title I teachers: “You are the heroes, and I am humbled and honored to be with you today.”
PSS Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline Che said Kinai “worked hard for our children… And although she is no longer physically with us, her legacy and love for the Title I program and our students lives on through her invaluable work in our public and private schools. Please continue to honor her memory in the service you provide to our CNMI students.”
The family members of the late educator Joaquina Deleon Guerrero “Kinai” Salas receive an award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline Che, and Melisha San Nicolas, director of Private School Equitable Services and co-ombudsman.
