Héctor Ferrer Santiago, spokesperson for the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) in the House of Representatives, alleged on Tuesday that former Adsef administrator Blanca Medina Díaz was fired for refusing to sign a $38 million contract with an education company. He made the claim in a press release demanding the immediate resignation of Family Department Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes.
Primera Hora contacted Family Department press spokesperson Yolanda Rosaly, who said the agency limits itself to statements made that morning by Governor’s Secretary Norma Burgos. Burgos rejected that Medina Díaz was dismissed over incidents tied to a contract, saying it was a matter of "insubordination" and that she "did not carry out the work she was assigned."
Ferrer instead tied the dismissal to a contract of up to $38 million with NOLA Education LLC for the Star Academy project. He said it involves federal TANF funds and that Medina Díaz left in writing that Adsef did not participate in the project’s evaluation, selection or award. He added that the former administrator confirmed Roig "pressured" and "harassed" her to sign a contract she had reservations about.
NOLA Education LLC was about to receive a contract of up to $38 million to implement Star Academy in 25 public schools, serving about 2,000 students.