School started today at Toledo Community College and while there was talk of turmoil, it went off for the most part without a hitch. The controversy surrounded the selection of a new principal after the former principal Luke Palacio resigned on August 12th. Two men applied for the job, Carlos Chan and Dr. Francis Arzu. Arzu won when the first vote was held but the Ministry of Education was not satisfied with that choice explaining that Arzu, who is a vet, is not qualified. So the board was advised it needed to vote again and Chan won that second vote. But there’s a strong political undercurrent at work here and the back and forth caused a stink, so much so that there was talk classes could be disrupted today. But it didn’t happen. Here’s both sides of the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Today was Carlos Chan’s first full day as the new principal at the Toledo Community College. It was a normal school day – classes were held without a hitch. Chan says he got the job fair and square but there are some on his staff who don’t think so. The board’s Chairman Robert Pennil defends the decision.
Robert Pennell, Board Chairman
“The new principal was never put there politically but he was interviewed and he was hired based on the policies of the Ministry of Education. Mr. Chan was successful, he met the requirements, based on his qualifications and the Ministry’s pre-requisite is that a principal has to have at the minimum a Master’s in Education.”
Carlos Chan, Principal
“The ad stated that the qualifications required was a Master’s degree and the Ministry of Education requirement for a principal is a Master’s of Education degree so I applied and I had the qualifications and I was given the post. The selection for principal was made by the board members and I came out successful.”
One of Chan’s first decisions was to remove vice principals Shauuna Arnold Sanchez and Francis Arzu. Arzu had also applied to be the principal.
Francis Arzu, Removed as Vice-Principal
“I have been as I mentioned to you, I’ve been vice principal for ten years and I’ve been principal for two years. I’ve served on the board of governors of TCC, I’ve served on the regional council of Toledo District as an educator and that is why I consider myself to have been the best candidate. I believe it is unjust. I believe it is not fair to the staff and fair to me after serving for so many years here at Toledo Community College for 25 years.”
Shauuna Arnold Sanchez, Removed as Vice Principal
“I am here and my passion is for the students of TCC. I don’t want a position. I am here to serve. I work endlessly at this institution and I think it was total disrespect after we did all the work, after we’ve prepared everything for them to come and give us a slap in our face and say that our services are no longer needed. They weren’t here when we were working. This is a case of victimization by the UDP. For me, I am not a PUP, UDP, nor a PNP. I vote for persons and for me I think it is victimization.”
Despite their dissatisfaction – both Sanchez and Arzu will continue teaching. At the start of this school day - that’s what really mattered.
The disgruntled former vice principals plan to take up their grievance with the teacher’s union.
