PSS secures $4.99M through school infrastructure program

The Public School System has secured a $4.99-million grant it will get over five years through the Supporting America’s School Infrastructure program, according to Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) over the weekend.

Sablan disclosed in his e-kilili newsletter that this funding, as the U.S. Department of Education announced on Thursday, is rooted in the concept of Minetgot, the Chamorro term for resilience, and focuses on three objectives: the creation of a comprehensive 10-year school facilities master plan, transitioning to a cloud-based maintenance system, and implementing a maintenance training program for district staff.

Sablan said the facilities master plan will address reducing emergency repair costs, ensuring modern safety standards, and increasing sustainability.

In transitioning to a cloud-based system, PSS plans to centralize data and automate operations for effective facility management, Sablan said.

He said the grant will also allow for investing in staff training to enhance facility safety, promote longevity, and foster job satisfaction.

The U.S. Congress funded the Supporting America’s School Infrastructure program through the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023.

Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan