SVES project gives way to GTC renovation

A project for San Vicente Elementary School has been temporarily set aside by the Public School System to prioritize the immediate renovation of dilapidated buildings at Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School.

PSS is concerned that if no repairs are made at GTC, the facilities may be closed because of health and safety concerns.

By a voice vote, Board of Education members affirmed yesterday their decision to put at the top of their to-do list the GTC renovation after funding for the project was taken out of the community development block grant list in favor of a new soccer field in Koblerville.

Last year, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial reprogrammed $1.2 million in CIP money for immediate repairs in 20 public school facilities. From the figure, $66,000 was appropriated to GTC for termite control and electrical upgrades. Since the cancellation of the project from CDBG, PSS was asked to re-appropriate $1.2 million to accommodate the GTC renovation.

Saipan Tribune learned that SVES was supposed to get $120,000 for the construction of two Kindergarten classrooms. Since one of the classrooms was already built via community donations, it was recommended to re-allocate the fund for another Kindergarten classroom at GTC.

It was learned that SVES is also looking to get some assistance from the Legislature on the funding needs of the other Kindergarten room.

The GTC fund was eventually approved in yesterday’s board meeting—$120,000 from the SVES project; $208,000 from the general bond interest; plus the $66,000 originally earmarked for GTC.

It was decided that all amounts will be used for the immediate renovation of buildings G and F, which house nine classrooms at present.

GTC acting principal Charlotte Camacho was elated at the news. She disclosed that the school will seek more funds—perhaps federal grants—for the school’s collateral equipment, estimated at $200,000.

“Our goal is to open school with a safe environment for our kids next school year. We’re very grateful to the assistance and support by the board, the system and our sister-school San Vicente,” she told Saipan Tribune.

She said construction will begin in June.

Repairs for Building B, she said, was suspended due to the serious condition of the two other buildings, which were built some 30 years ago.