Technical school seen to cut alien worker population

As part of government efforts to minimize dependence on foreign workers, the House of Representatives backed the enactment of a law that would authorize the Public School System to effectively convert the Marianas High School into a technical school by passing a bill that identifies revenue-generating sources to fund the multi-million-dollar project.

Local congressmen passed Thursday House Bill 14-210, which sought to authorize the PSS to establish a technical education program.

The bill identifies $25 of every initial application and renewal fees for nonresident workers’ certificates among the project’s sources of funds.

The House Education Committee concluded that there is a need to integrate technical curriculum in public high schools to prepare students for higher education or immediate employment.

“There are many students who are not inclined to pursue a higher education but are experiencing tremendous difficulty in finding jobs in the Commonwealth. The problem is that students do not have the technical skills or training to qualify for many jobs and often feel discouraged and frustrated with the job-seeking procedures,” the committee said.

Lawmakers led by House Rep. Justo Quitugua, who also chairs the education committee, introduced the bill earlier this year based on a PSS survey, which indicated that 88 percent responded favorably to the establishment of a technical school. They want PSS to implement the project beginning school year 2005-2006 or earlier.

Initial courses that may be taught at the technical school include tourism, nursing assistant, and technology (Cisco CCNA Certification). The bill seeks to establish a curriculum development advisory committee to recommend courses that would be taught at the technical school.

According to the bill, the Commissioner on Education would appoint teachers and program administrators to the committee from parent-teacher associations of public high schools, Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association, Saipan Rotary Club, Northern Marianas College, and other groups.

The bill states that technical education may be expanded to other schools, while the curriculum may be expanded to include other courses upon the availability of funds. The bill wants the PSS to identify appropriate schools sites for future expansion of the technical education program. It also wants the PSS to discuss curriculum collaboration between the technical school and NMC.

The measure seeks the creation of a technical education program fund within the CNMI Treasury. Under the bill, the fund may only be disbursed for the program, may not be reprogrammed for other uses, and may only be expended by the Commissioner on Education.

Besides the $25 from initial application and renewal fees for nonresident workers’ certificates, the bill identifies 10 percent of the revenues collected from jackpot winnings tax as a funding source.

Other fund sources include appropriations made to the PSS technical education program in the annual budget, as well as federal funds received by the PSS for the vocational education program.

A feasibility study indicated that over $2 million would be initially needed to convert the Marianas High School into a technical school. The program would need close to $860,000 during the second year, and over $1 million for the third year. The costs would cover personnel, equipment and supplies.

The education committee noted that the Nonresident Workers Act sought to supplement the local workforce in 1983—or over two decades ago.

“This act was intended to be a temporary means of enhancing the economic development of the Commonwealth. However, it has been 20 years since the enactment of the Nonresident Workers Act and the Commonwealth continues to rely heavily on nonresident workers,” it said.

Last Thursday, the House also passed a bill that seeks to enhance the CNMI’s data system on the availability of resident workers. It also proposed the conduct of surveys on future employment plans, skills and job preferences of graduating high schools students.

House Bill 14-228, also known as the Local Employment Assurance Act of 2004, wants to enhance the current system of registration, referral, and other employment services to assist potential resident workers in securing jobs.