Minister of Education Won’t Intervene in Julian Cho Debacle

Education Minister Patrick Faber also weighed in on the situation at Julian Cho Technical High School in Toledo where the secondary institution has remained without a principal since November nineteenth.  As it stands there is a deadlock between two candidates who have applied for the vacancy.  Here’s his take on the stalled situation.

Patrick Faber, Minister of Education

“My understanding is that Dr. Arzu was given a temporary stint which has now expired and the board believes that another extended period should not happen for Dr. Arzu.  Whenever a decision is made by the board, you will understand that it then has to be sent to the Teaching Services Commission.  Again, the Minister of Education does not control the TSC.  The TSC is made up of representative bodies, including, for instance, the B.N.T.U. and other stakeholders, parents and all of that.  So it is really unfair for those who accuse the minister of interfering in this regard.  Ultimately, decisions about what happens in that school are for the board.  Those recommendations that the board makes have to be supported by the TSC, that is the way the system works and wherever that cannot be agreed upon then the onus is on the board to go back to the drawing board and to come up with some other kind of alternative proposal if it is the TSC does not agree.”

Patrick Faber

Isani Cayetano

“My understanding, nonetheless, is that there is a particular clause which essentially prohibits Dr. Simeon Coc’s candidacy insofar as him having reached the retirement age and he ought to be succeeded by a younger, equally qualified candidate.  This doesn’t warrant any intervention still?”

Patrick Faber

“No, no.  My understanding is this, that when a candidate or a teacher or a principal administrator reaches the retirement age, I am not even sure where Dr. Coc is, that person can always apply for an extension.”