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BOE: New school not possible without budget
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Posted on May 25 2005
The Public School System is standing pat in its decision not to open a new school in the northern part of Saipan—whether it be in the La Fiesta Mall or elsewhere—unless the government gives them additional funding to run the facility.
In a letter to House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial last week, Board of Education chair Roman C. Benavente and Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos told lawmaker that PSS needs an additional $2.8 million for the operational expenses of the proposed junior high and high school, which would serve residents of Tanapag, San Roque, and Marpi.
In addition, the Legislature also needs to approve the annual lease payments for its proposed takeover of La Fiesta, as required by Article X of the Commonwealth Constitution, which contains provisions on taxation and public finance.
“Fidelity to our Constitution is of paramount importance as the legislative approval of this public debt [is needed for the] lease payments of $7 million across 20 years,” said Benavente.
He said Article X provides the assurance that any agreement that PSS signs into vis-à-vis with the government would be binding on the current and future administrations.
Benavente reminded the speaker that PSS has added over 2,000 students and opened five new schools without a corresponding increase in its budget. As a consequence, he said that local dollars made available for public education have declined by over $1,400 per child and could not support the additional costs of another school.
PSS has submitted a budget proposal of $50 million for fiscal year 2006.
Last week the PSS also submitted a letter to Gov. Juan N. Babauta outlining conditions the Governor’s Office must agree to before the PSS signs a deal to turn part of La Fiesta into a junior high and high school facility.
The letter said an agreement between the two offices must include no debt or other financial responsibility, including utility payments, for the lease of the La Fiesta property and that any agreement between PSS and Governor’s Office should be binding under future administrations.
