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| It's Our Way or the Highway! (2/7/04) SJS BOT president Tim Kernaghan fires off a letter to the faculty to defend the actions of the current board and also manages to, (it appears) attack the credibility of the last sitting board under the leadership of Mark Fish. Since the time the letter from the SJS BOT president was sent to faculty members, several "friends" to the alumni cause, have given us copies of the letter for our review. Some of the things said raised our brows, you judge for yourself. A casual survey (don't worry we didn't email a survey form Jorge!), of some faculty members regarding the letter seemed to have a consistent tone. "Basically what they're saying is that they don't care. They offer to buy us out by offering greater discounts to teachers with kids. Well, I don't have any kids, so that tactic doesn't work with me. It's their way or the highway!" said one disgruntled teacher. From what I can gather from various sources, at least 9 to 10 teachers have confirmed their resignation after this school year is done, with several more considering to leave. It is clear to me that although Jorge has not fired any teacher to my knowledge (on record), it appears he does not need to. Many are leaving on their own accord due to what they feel is an unjust and unappreciative administration. Judging from the treatment of Dr. Jenkins this past January, it is no wonder why so many teachers are in fear and anxious about their own careers at the school. Said one teacher who asked not to be identified, "It's pretty bad here right now. People that have worked here for ten years or more suddenly feel they are no longer important. In fact, you could say some have even been told that, from what I've heard." It does sound dire doesn't it? But don't take our word for it. If there are any parent's reading this site, go to the teachers you know (or don't know), and just ask them what the mood of the faculty is. Chances are, a majority are looking around for a new job elsewhere. Said one teacher "I would quit but I just can't afford it. But believe me, my loyalty is not here right now. No way." And what about the kids? Sure the Seniors have sorely been 'short changed', but what about the upcoming Juniors and those below them? How many teachers will they not have the pleasure to learn from, because this SJS BOT simply refuses to admit that they did something wrong. Deny it as they (SJS BOT) will something is wrong with our neighborhood. and unless those that really care do something about it, we may just see the end of what has been until now — Guam's most enduring and caring group of teachers ever assembled under one roof.
Update
on the Dr. Lom issue:
It has been reported that the SJS BOT recently issued a letter of apology written and signed by BOT president Tim Kernaghan and that it was posted on the bulletin board for the 2004 seniors to read. I guess we should be pleased since it was the efforts of this website that they (SJS BOT) swear they don't pay any attention to that brought attention to this particular incident ... But I'm wondering ... Why didn't the SJS BOT issue a copy and send it to the entire student body as well as the parents? Seemed a bit 'convenient' on the part of the SJS BOT to keep the audience as small as possible so that the incident stayed 'contained'. Whatever happened to the open communication pledge that this new headmaster so boasted about at the start of this tenure and even during his interview? “Only someone as charismatic as Dr. Nelson, could get away with what would otherwise be a questionable remark.” An insiders view of the headmaster (1/19/04) “I want to shake the hand of that teacher that said: "This is the real world ... In Corporate America you get fired at 5PM, you're expected to leave by 8PM with your things...” Fellow alumni- Tony Martinez makes a great point with this peculiar email. (1/17/04) “I owe a part of my success today to Dr. Jenkins because he has given me a chance to succeed..” New Alumni Letters! (1/23/04) 
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Updated
for February 7-8, 2004
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