The CNMI Board of Education officially informed Dr. Lawrence Camacho of its unanimous vote to enter into negotiations for the Commissioner of Education position. 
 
Dr. Camacho, who is the current Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success and Dean of Students at the University of Guam, told KUAM, "It’s great to come home and serve our people, especially our children who are indeed the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and designers of our Commonwealth’s future." 
 
Dr. Camacho added, "I want to thank the board members for their vote of confidence in me to lead our public school system. I, of course, intend to work and collaborate with our community of stakeholders and our professional administrators, staff, and teachers as we advance PSS to the next level."
 

The Commissioner of Education’s position became vacant when Dr. Alfred Ada resigned as education chief in September due to health reasons. KUAM learned that five people applied for the job, but only three met the eligibility requirements. Director of the CNMI Public School System Special Education Program Donna Flores has been the acting COE.