PSS Commissioner to resign in June amid gubernatorial run

Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence Camacho will step down from his role on June 10, 2026, coinciding with the end of the current school calendar.

​Dr. Camacho confirmed his upcoming resignation to Marianas Press on Wednesday, May 20, following a lengthy executive session with the State Board of Education. The announcement comes on the heels of his recent declaration to run as an independent candidate for governor.

The announcement follows Dr. Camacho’s recent campaign declaration and highlights the growing intersection of local politics and the public education system.

During a May 19 appearance on Marianas Press’ Election Desk segment with Thomas Manglona II, Dr. Camacho addressed the unique political dynamics unfolding within PSS. Notably, Kagman High School Principal Ben Jones is also running for office, and other PSS personnel, including staff at Marianas High School, are actively participating in gubernatorial campaigns.

​When asked during the interview about how these political dynamics impact the school system, Dr. Camacho emphasized a strict boundary between his official duties and his political aspirations.

​"As long as I am the Commissioner of Education, it will not be political," Dr. Camacho stated, drawing a structural distinction between his role and those of other district employees. "I'm an employee of the State Board of Education, and they are employees of PSS. It's different in the way of operating and allowing them to continue on in their role."

​While acknowledging that he does not consider himself a traditional politician, Dr. Camacho expressed a strong personal drive to enact systemic change at the executive level. He mentioned in his interview that he will present the Board of Education with three potential transition scenarios before they reach a final decision.

​Dr. Camacho noted that waiting on the sidelines was no longer an option. "I just can't sit on the sideline thinking, 'Oh, we're just going to continue to wait and hope for the best,'" he explained. "Hope is not a solution... You cannot wish the problem away."

Looking ahead to his gubernatorial campaign, Dr. Camacho made it clear that his background in education will be the cornerstone of his platform. He plans to align his educational leadership experience with broader workforce and labor initiatives to build a more resilient CNMI.

​The key priorities highlighted by Dr. Camacho include protecting education by championing the school system as an "essential piece of society, Economic Stability – by directly linking robust educational foundations to the realization of better economic conditions for the Commonwealth, and family welfare, by utilizing education and workforce alignment to ensure the long-term stability of local families.

​"If we don't protect [education], then we'll never get to realize the economic conditions and the stability of our families," Dr. Camacho said. "I bring that to the table with experience. I love that we can align that experience with the labor workforce... and we can make better sense out of this whole thing, together, added Camacho.

In a sttement Wednesday, the COE told MP, “Although my running mate Edith Deleon Guerrero and I announced our candidacy for governor and lieutenant governor, my focus right now is on our students who deserve the best. I want to steady the course and celebrate them. The promotion of 8th graders and graduation of 12th graders, along with all of our students, must be celebrated by everyone—it is our tradition. Giving them the opportunity to enjoy this moment with utmost respect and recognition is paramount in our academic enterprise. In fact, let me use this opportunity to rally all officials and political leaders to join me in celebrating our future leaders, problem solvers and designers of our great and wonderful Commonwealth. “