No extra money for PSS

Some 50 public school teachers, staff and parents yesterday stormed the Governor’s Office to lobby for additional funding in another bid to prevent the suspension of the kindergarten program and further layoffs in the education sector.

Confronted with financial troubles, the Public School System is currently implementing deep cost-cutting steps that include non-renewal of employment contracts of close to 300 non-teaching personnel and elimination of the Headstart program.

The governor, however, explained declining revenues are tying his hands to commit extra money for the sector.

“In the event that our economy improves, we will make sure that PSS will be given additional funding,” he said.

After receiving $1.7 million in additional fund last December to delay the scheduled 10 percent pay cut for teachers, Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos warned schools that PSS will not renew the contracts of 270 non-teaching personnel or support services staff.

“We would have some abilities to hire some back. But there would be no hiring all at one time,” she said.

According to Koblerville teacher Barbara Merfalan, the school is fortunate to extend the services of its support staff to another 90 days after this week, but others are scheduled to go beginning May 8.

Representatives from San Antonio school said their four support staff will not be renewed, while another 50 from different schools will be gone soon.

But each school, however, was given the option to renew their contracts if it chooses to use operational funding to pay for their salaries.

“They are demoralized and a lot of our staff do more,” Merfalan added.

During the meeting, Tenorio informed teachers and staff that the Executive Branch is also implementing the 90-day contract policy to cope with the financial woes.

“Many of our ungraded employees have ninety days contracts. Some are just up to September,” he said, adding that even civil service employees are not assured of continued employment.

“We cannot continue to employ people if we don’t have the money,” he said.

Staunch supporter of the kindergarten program, CNMI Teacher of the Year Barbara Gilles appealed to the governor to mandate this early grade preparation. The CNMI Constitution only mandates free education for children, ages 6 to 16 years old.

“I would like to see the kindergarten as a priority. We are losing those years,” she said.

The governor’s earlier plan to expand the Headstart program was received with skepticism by the group.

Former Koblerville Principal Bridget Ichihara said this federal program offers limitations. The Federal government yearly sets the size of its enrollment for the three islands and 80 percent will come from the cash strap families.

“It does not operate like a kindergarten,” she added. Headstart is known for its emphasis on healthy habits and social skills for children from three to four years old.

Both Merfalan and Ichihara asked Tenorio over the need to draw the line between education and limited resources.

“Is there a way to declare a state of emergency and close the school,” Ichihara said.

“How far exactly are we willing to go,” added Rita del Rosario, a parent from Koblerville school.

Tenorio told the group that the ongoing cost-cutting measures saved the CNMI government from going broke.

“Even if we declare a state of emergency, if there’s no money, there’s nothing I can do,” he said.

The governor also reminded teachers that the Constitution requires the CNMI government to allocate 15 percent of its total revenue to PSS.

“But education is getting more and my position is to assist and find some funding for PSS,” he said.