Kagman school opening to push through on Sept. 5 By Marian A. Maraya

The new Kagman Elementary School will open its doors next month with the very basic operational instruments as Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos disclosed the Public School System is still identifying resources that would maximize the $6 million facility’s use.

“The campus will open on Sept. 5th with what it can basically begin with,” Dr. Inos said in an interview.

Although admitting the new campus will not be equipped with everything PSS had originally planned for, Dr. Inos, said this is only temporary especially with the beginning of a new funding cycle in October.

“We anticipate for the new fiscal year to have Kagman be a budget item in our books. . . so that it has its own dedicated operational funds to run it,” said Dr. Inos.

The commissioner has, however, assured all critical positions necessary to run the campus has been put in place.

Public School officials this week met to iron out last minute preparations, finalizing the lineup of teachers and staff who will be assigned to the new school.

“We’re sacrificing in various areas throughout the system so that it can open up. But we’re also hoping that relief will come around when the new budget cycle comes in,” she said.

The school system had earlier requested Governor Pedro P. Tenorio for some $640,000 in additional funds to hire support staff and personnel for all public schools, including Kagman, for the current school year which began Aug. 7.

The Governor’s Special Assistant for Budget and Management Ed Tenorio said he is waiting to sit down with school officials and discuss on some changes in the funding requirement, citing that the new fiscal year does not start until October.

“We have to take a look at it because we’re only funding up to the end of the fiscal year. But definitely, we will be assisting PSS especially as one of the governor’s priorities is education,” he said.

Dr. Inos said she is looking forward to receiving financial assistance from the Governor’s Office.

Preparations for the much anticipated opening are in full swing as the dedication and official ribbon cutting ceremony has been set for Sept. 1st.

“We are getting all sorts of support from the community. We have realigned our needs. . .so in a way, we are making ends meet,” the commissioner added.

The commissioner has mobilized support staff from the PSS central office and teachers from other public schools to carry on with the maintenance and instruction.

“We’re needing extra support to ease up the burden on our existing staff but even without that, it continues to be manageable. There’s strength in the people working together,” she said.