The CNMI Board of Education remains unorganized after several attempts to hold an organizational session. The apparent in fighting coming at a cost for students and their teachers waiting for the public school system to take action.

The CNMI Board of Education failing to organize after repeated attempts.  Dr. Aflred Ada, Commissioner of Education for the CNMI Public School System, said, "This is the first time that I have encountered and our focus as PSS is to continue with the operation and make sure that the schools are open to provide services to our students."

The first meeting was set in January and due to conflicts it was moved to February. But at that meeting, two board members, Andrew Orsini and Herman Atalig, walked out after their motion for an executive session before holding their organizational meeting was denied by three other members. 

Labor Secretary and former educator Leila Staffler noted, "It is stalling the whole system and so it is really a travesty that it continues to happen. Having a quorum just to have the organizational session should not be an issue."

But Atalig tells KUAM that the board scheduled the meetings knowing that he was not available due to a medical appointment and Orsini was off-island. He says his concerns continue to fall on "deaf ears" and an executive session is needed to discuss sensitive matters.

He says, "They silenced our voices and took away my freedom of speech...my major issues with the officers...are our lack of direction, transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and communication. They are not leading, they are being led by an internal force." 

Orsini telling us that its just a matter of finding the time and that the mandatory 4 person quorum for the five voting members of the board is the main barrier. 

But the three board members voting against Orsini and Atalig paint a more complicated picture.  Maisie B. Tenorio with the Board of Education said, "Member Orsini said that he wanted updates because we had not met since December and member Atalig said he wanted to discuss the rules of engagement for election and they both wanted to discuss that in executive which is inappropriate and against our regulation."

Board member Antonio Borja says "I do not believe any further accommodation is warranted. If anyone is owed an accommodation it is our students, teachers, and staff that require a fully functioning board. We do not need to accommodate board members in order for them to do their jobs."

Board member Greg Borja says he's aware of the public outcry as a result of the board's failure. He says one issue is related to the duties and powers of board members. He tells KUAM that there is disagreement in allowing the operations to be managed solely by the Commissioner of Education. However, he says, "I am willing to put aside my difference in order to meet in fashion that is respectful for all members involved. However, I am unwilling to discuss items in an executive session that are un-allowable by law."

The board is expected to meet on March 22 to try again, and hopefully put students first.