Senator Fagolimul introduced the nominee and the principal witnesses for their participation and asked for any opening remarks.
Parren thanked the committee for the opportunity they have availed to him and other witnesses to testify in his nomination from the governor and is willing to answer any questions from the committee.
Gov. Sebastian Anefal stated that Parren has an extensive experience and exposure to government especially in the Department of Education. The nominee would be a good addition to the cabinet, given the support from the people he would be working with. He also stated that the Board of Directors of Education is fully equipped to work with Parren and that such position is in need to fill to carry out its mandates to serve our school children.
Mr. Gilmatam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Education, stated that there are big problems in the department. He stated that with the nominee the department will have the opportunity to improve. He stated that some of the schools are “lousy” in appearance to mention one and that the nominee was a teacher and a principal and DOE might be in need of someone like him to understand what is actually occurring in the classrooms and with the teachers and that he fully supports him.
Mr. Beyan of COP stated that the Council does recommend the nominee and stressed how it has been long overdue to fill such position. Like the COP, COT also is in accord with the Governor’s nominations and also stressed how important to fill the position as the department is a big one.
Senator Raglmar thanked the Governor and the nominee and stated how the nominee is able. He stated that he believes the core issue is the classroom learning and classroom teachings. In support of such, salaries of teachers have been increased. He stated that the department’s budget is sizable; however, most goes to management and operations and less goes for the classroom level.
In relation to Senator Raglmar’s comment, Senator Masiwemai asked how the nominee would deal with the discrepancies in teachers’ salaries, in which some are not fairly graded accordingly to their qualification. The nominee concurs to the unfairness of such activity and that if confirmed he would do something about it though he also understands how such increases and/or corrections of discrepancies in salaries would need sufficient funds, but will be dealt with nevertheless.
Governor Anefal stated that such discrepancies in salaries is not only confined to DOE but also to other departments like DHS and the Division of Public Safety. He stated that such discrepancies came about when these groups of people were exempted from the PSS along with the minimum entry level salary.
Another question was the minimum requirement of having secondary school teachers and all principals to have received a bachelor’s degree. The nominee stated that the laws are there to help improve the standards of learning in our students by having qualified teachers and supervisors. He stated that we have to comply with such law and if it means to seek resources outside of Yap, we should as we should adhere to the law.
Senator Chieng pointed out the many problems found in audit reports and such which grade us poorly, education wise. To name one, he stated the poor teacher recruitment process, among others that needs major improvements. He also asked the nominee of his health status in performing his duties if confirmed.
