Private schools shun federal money

Some private schools on Saipan are not taking federal money even in the midst of an economic crisis for fear of government intrusion in their respective operations.

“We want to have control over our schools,” said Warren Lennon, administrator of the Eucon International School.

Some private schools on Saipan are not taking federal money even in the midst of an economic crisis for fear of government intrusion in their respective operations.

“We want to have control over our schools,” said Warren Lennon, administrator of the Eucon International School.

“It is intrusive, there is control,” added Joe Moody, principal of the Calvary Christian Academy.

The most attractive of these federal funded programs is the breakfast and lunch which the Public School System is spearheading in the CNMI.

For this year, the CNMI received around $3.8 million from the federal government to run this breakfast and lunch program for school children. Both meals only require minimal fees or no charges at all for children who meet the eligibility requirement.

According to PSS nutritionist Tina Goodwin, private schools can avail of these free meals but they are not taking the offer.

“It doesn’t cost them anything if they join us,” she said.

Her office once received an inquiry from Eucon International School on this meal program but it didn’t push through with its application.

“We are not against public schools but we want to remain as an alternative school,” Lennon replied.

The Saipan Community School once participated in the program but was not happy about it.

“The lunch was not good for children and they came late,” said Hazel Michling, who is currently the school’s officer-in-charge. “But it’s a very good program,” she added.

Although Grace Christian Academy is still not availing of it, principal Rev. Mary Kinsella intends to join PSS once the school will have its cafeteria.

The GCA also welcomes federal money. “We do use federal funds that are allotted to us. So far, we don’t have problems with it,” she said.

However, there are also reports that some private schools are serving meals to raise funds.

This breakfast and lunch program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits the selling of any products during the meal period which limits the opportunity to raise funds.

“They can still raise funds but can’t sell food,” Goodwin said.