I WOULD like to take the opportunity to set the record straight concerning several statements made by Rep. Stanley T. Torres in the news story “Torres Wants Inos Out of PSS” published last Monday. First I would like to make it clear that I am neither for nor against Mr. Torres in his position concerning the retention of Dr. Inos. It is not my job and I have not been asked to evaluate her performance. I am addressing several points made by Mr. Torres concerning special education.
You state, “Whether (Louise) Concepcion is qualified for the job or not…” as if you don’t know. I will tell you that Louise Concepcion has consistently proven beyond reasonable doubt that she is more than qualified and competent to be permanently assigned to her acting commissioner position. She gets things done correctly, and in a timely manner in the best interests of our children in the CNMI. This is evidenced in her addressing the official grievance I filed against Rita Sablan for interfering with the duties of the Special Education State Advisory Panel and the Special Education Self Assessment Team of which I am both the chairman. Her interference was not only a violation of federal IDEA laws and regulations, it also severely affected both SESAP and the Self Assessment Team. Louise Concepcion handled the grievance with professionalism and settled the matter quickly.
Special education is thought to be a “wholly federally funded program” by many people who are uneducated in the legal aspects of the Individuals With Disabilities Act. Part B of the act clearly states that the federal commitment to states is 40 percent of the cost of services. The average state is receiving only 13 percent of the cost of services from the federal government. When you say that it is “wholly” funded in the CNMI, you are almost correct. Give the information that the CNMI should be more than matching the federal funds (60 percent local funding) and we are not, what will the Legislature do about it?
If you have evidence that Dr. Inos has manipulated federal special education funds for “unnecessary activities not related to the special education program,” as chairman of SESAP and the Self Assessment Team, I ask that you turn it over to me. Should you have any other information concerning special education or PSS that you feel I should officially be aware of, please forward it to me through Rota High School. If you have questions or concerns regarding special education programs, services or the special education laws, please feel free to contact me. I will gladly help.
TED SEAMAN
Special education teacher
Rota High School
