Focus on Education Money+Teachers+Attitudes+Education=A Dilemma

The PSS narrowly escaped having to cut teachers salaries by 10% because of a shortfall of funds. Just before a vote was to be taken by the Board of Education, the Governor infused $1,700,000 to assist the PSS in meeting its payroll deficit .

This money transfusion relieved the crisis. But it is only a temporary stopgap up to June, 1999. The specter of insufficient funds is waiting ready to pounce on the PSS again. Let’s review the scenario.

The original PSS budget for fiscal year ‘98/99 was $41.5 million. With that firm figure in mind the PSS allotted money for salaries and hired teachers and other personnel for the school year. That being done, along came an unexpected tsunami washing out all the planning and promises made to personnel.

When the government discovered that the deficit hole is deeper than was suspected it issued a mandatory 13.4% across the board cut for all government agencies. Thus the $41.5 million budget got cut by $5,561,000 down to $35,939,000.

A major problem arose when this action was taken. Contracts had already been signed with teachers and other personnel before the reduction for a total of $37,700,000. Legally the PSS is obliged to pay these commitments or face civil action.

After exploring alternative ideas to solve this dilemma, the BOE was ready to order an 10% reduction in everyone’s salaries including the COE and Central Office Personnel. But the infusion of the $1.7 million warded off this action.

As it stands now the figure of $35,939,000 plus the $1,700,000 adds up to $37,639,000. Of this figure 94% or $35,380,660 is used for salaries and 6% or $2,258,340 for all other school operations. A shortfall is possible again.

In 1999 the PSS will receive from the Federal Government $14,135,532. This money is needed to operate Special Education, Headstart and the Federal Nutrition Programs. The PSS may be able to use a little of this money to help with the deficit . However the PSS does not have carte blanche permission to do this. It must justify such action to the Federal Government.

As of January 6, 1999, there are 787 teaching staff and 246 support staff. Thus as of January, 1999, the PSS employs 1,033 persons. 71 resignations took place over the holidays. Thirty-five were classroom teachers, seven were teacher aides, ten were non-teaching personnel, thirteen were administration personnel, four were
Curriculum and Instruction personnel, one Fiscal and Budget, and one Rota Liaison Office.

The sad thing is that all the resignations took place in the midst of the school year. Any organization that would suffer a similar exodus of personnel in the midst of its busiest time would be unable to maintain the standards demanded of it. There must be underlining causes which should give the PSS and the community concern.
The problems are deeper than just money. Could they be attitudes towards the system?

My greatest dream would be to see within this year the Governor, Lt. Governor, all 27 members of the Legislature, the Bishop, the CNMI judges, the BOE, the COE, the DYS, the presidents of business and social organizations, the presidents of the PTA’s and other interested parties sit in a forum deciding together on how to improve the quality of education. It would be a remarkable show of faith in the future of our youth. All it takes is for someone to take the initiative. Wow! What a dream come true! Am I so naive to wish that this could happen?

Note: Strictly a personal view. Anthony Pellegrino is a businessman and member of the Board of Education.