Head Start program breaks ground for new classrooms

The CNMI Head Start Program yesterday held a groundbreaking ceremony for its future learning center in the heart of Garapan.

Government and private officials gathered yesterday morning to witness and take part in the ceremony held at the lot just behind the Office on Aging building.

Head Start Program director Jeanne Samari said there would be two new Head Start buildings to be constructed this year. The project originally called for the construction of three classrooms but due to the high cost of building materials, the plan was scaled down to two.

“But I’m still hopeful that the government would again assist for the much needed third classroom,” Samari said.

The two additional classrooms would have at least four sessions every day serving at least 75 children. Samari said there would be 17 Head Start students per session, as federal law requires.

Samari said the construction project would cost at least $200,000 per building.

She said former director Paz Younis contributed immensely in acquiring grants from the federal government.

Samari said the entire Head Start family is extending their gratitude to all the people who have made the project a reality. She also thanked local lawmakers from the 14th Legislature up to the present for their support in matching the federal funds.

“We’re very grateful for the support they have given. We are happy to find funds for the construction of the new buildings,” she added.

Rep. Ray Tebuteb said the matching funds for the Head Start was the result of the hard work of former House representatives Heinz Hofschneider, Jess Attao, David Apatang, and re-elected Rep. Arnold Palacios.

House Speaker Oscar M. Babauta, Vice Speaker Justo Quitugua, Rep. Absalon Waki, and other congressmen also attended the event.

The design for the Head Start buildings is patterned after the Head Start building in Kagma.

Samari said she’s very excited with the project because she also lent a hand in the design process. Samari has a master’s background on Head Start policy and designs.

Samari started the ceremony while Board of Education chairman Roman C. Benavente closed it.

Acting Commissioner of Education David M. Borja also spoke, while site coordinator Alex Rangamar acknowledged the people who were present, including BOE officers and board members Marja Lee Taitano, Herman T. Guerrero and Lucy M. Blanco, and private schools officials such as Brilliant Star School principal Trish Copeland.