Focus on Education The Public School System: A Complex Structure Part II, By: Anthony Pellegrino

The Constitutional Amendment of 1988 Section 1: paragraph e) guarantees that the PSS receives an annual budget of not less than fifteen (15) percent of the general revenues of the Commonwealth.

In retrospect, this 15% seemed quite generous in FY1998 the first year it was applied. The CNMI locally Generated Revenues for FY 1989 were $110,408,061, of which $16,561,209 or 15% was guaranteed to the PSS. But the PSS utilized only $12,035,400 for the year leaving a surplus of $4.525.809. In 1989 there was an enrollment of 5,829 students. This averaged out to a cost per child of $2,065. In 1998 this averages out to about $ 4,369 per student. This amount is lower than the average spent in the U.S. mainland for education.

Since 1989 to 1997, the annual guaranteed budget has averaged 16.95% of the general revenues. You will note the Legislature and Administration have granted more money than is mandated by the Constitution to assist the PSS as it grew in student enrollment and in services offered.

Now the PSS finds itself with a shortage of funds. This may be attributed to several reasons. The average salary of teachers is about $36,000 per year plus 26% for retirement and 2% towards insurance. Thus the average teacher is paid a total of about $46,080 annually. In addition the PSS offers more diversified education programs. Its facilities have fallen into a sad state of repairs because of lack of maintenance funds. Another factor is that in 1989 only 5,829 students were enrolled. While in 1999 there are 9,498 students enrolled. This is an increase of 63% in just ten years.

As an additional note, funds for capital improvements amounted to $18,393,075 over a nine year period. Adding the amount for direct education purpose plus the capital improvement funds, the real total expenditures for the PSS for the past nine years has averaged 19.61 % of the CNMI locally Generated Revenues. Yes, education is expensive.

When the Constitutional Amendment was adopted in 1988, Public Law 6-10 was also enacted. This law is cited as the “Education Act of 1988” and spells out many details about the organization and structure of the Public School system; for example, “Organization of Educational Services”, “Board of Education: Powers, Functions and Duties”, “Instructional Programs” and others.

It seems appropriate that after eleven years the Legislature should review this Act and perhaps simplify it. I find it difficult to accept the fact that a group of men whose forte is not education, but politics, should so meticulously dictate the functions of the PSS. What is the BOE and the Commissioner for if not to run the schools efficiently. Talk about micro managing!

In addition, the PSS must adhere to the legal code of the CNMI. It must know how it affects PSS’s operation. There have been times when the PSS has been a defendant in several lawsuits. Also, the PSS must be aware of the civil rights of its employees, of its students and their parents.

The Board of Education has its own charter and bylaws that define its functions. Basically the Board shall formulate policies and exercise control over the Public School System through the Commissioner of Education as provided by Constitutional Amendment No. 38 and Public Law 610.

The Commissioner of Education, Dr. Rita Inos, began work on June 1, 1998. She has a broad and long experience in education. Her devotion to education is unsurpassed. Dr. Inos has an open door policy to everyone. When in doubt give her a call at 6643720. She’ll be glad to listen.