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BoE Guerrero: Give us the money
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Posted on May 18 2004
Board of Education member Herman T. Guerrero continues to push for the release of operational funds for the Public School System.
Guerrero, who was given a tour of the William S. Reyes Elementary School on Friday, was prompted to comment on the need for the government to take a proactive role in education after seeing several classrooms with broken air conditioners and walls infested by termites.
“They need to provide the money fro the classrooms,” he said. “It seems like there’s budget for other projects, and yet, we don’t have money to tear down these termite infested classrooms. This is ridiculous.”
Guerrero said the money PSS receives is for personnel, but it is in “great need” of operational funds, as it will provide necessary renovations to classrooms.
“If you believe that the kids are the future of the Commonwealth, let’s have the best schools,” he said. “We’re dealing with the health of the kids and we need to provide the necessary environment for these kids to learn.”
He said he would again bring attention to the matter with the board in hopes of diverting funds from other community projects to the PSS.
“How can we fix the air conditioners and walls when there’s no money?” he asked. “Where else are we supposed to go? We desperately need the money. Where’s the money, give us the money.”
The BoE member said WSR’s situation is one of the many problems schools in the CNMI are facing due to the lack of operational funds.
WSR principal Alfred Ada said he has been pushing for funds to renovate the classrooms since January. He assured, though, that the classrooms will be “as good as new” before the start of next school year.
“I’ve been pushing but PSS does not have money, so we will collect any money we have, like from our canteen, and fix the problem before next school year,” he said.
