Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia withdrew today, Saturday, the appointment of Elba Aponte Santos to head the Department of Education, after the Senate Nomination Committee sent a negative report to the official.
In written statements, Pierluisi Urrutia stated that Aponte Santos is essential to reopen schools and start face-to-face classes and, in turn, assured that he will promptly inform who will appoint the head of education on a temporary basis.
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“This afternoon, I was informed of the decision of the majority of members of the Senate Nomination Committee on the report that does not recommend the confirmation of Professor Elba Aponte as Secretary of Education. After talks with Professor Aponte, I withdraw his appointment, “the executive said hours after the commission issued a negative report.
“Professor Aponte has all the qualifications and was fundamental in directing the reopening of schools safely, as was done. In addition, it has always given priority to the education of boys and girls in the public education system. I have only words of gratitude for her detachment and commitment to the education of our next generations. I am sure he will continue to contribute to our people, “he added.
According to the report provided by the Commission, some senators and senators remained in doubt about the management of situations such as schools affected by earthquakes and how they would accommodate children in the southwest region, among other issues.
“As for the direction within the Department of Education, I will promptly inform who the interim schedule will be. We will continue to work without a break so that, as I said before, our schools are safe and ready for the reopening of classes. “We will continue to focus on repairing short columns and especially building and repairing schools in earthquake-affected areas. My commitment to education will not stop, because that is where we create the future of our island,” he said.