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PSS completes relocation of central office to MHS campus
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Posted on Aug 26 2011
The relocation of the Board of Education and Public School System’s central offices to a new office at Marianas High School was completed yesterday.
According to Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, the move to the newly renovated 15-classroom MHS Building F began early this month.
PSS moved to its own property to save on cost. Sablan said they expect to save about $250,000 in rental fee as a result of the relocation.
What remains to be done are the renovation of the Board of Education office and conference room at MHS and the construction of a fence that will serve as a boundary between the central office and the school campus, and the parking area.
PSS finance director Richard Waldo said that PSS is heading toward a “very tough” and “challenging” fiscal year 2012.
Based on the governor’s budget submission for fiscal year 2012, PSS will receive only $28 million in 2010—some $8 million lower than the $36 million the system was asking for. With the expiration of federal stimulus funding this year, PSS expects a budget deficit in its personnel and “all others” costs.
Waldo underscored the importance of conserving energy in all schools, noting the significant reduction in both water and power consumptions in schools during the summer period.
PSS has an initial enrollees of 10,737 as of this week. Classes will begin Sept. 6, 2011.
On other matters, Sablan reported that 30 college students participated in PSS’ summer enrichment programs. These include the outdoor science camp for grades 5 and 6; intensified algebra and language arts for grade 8; Chamorro and Carolinian Language Heritage Studies for elementary students; reading for primary grades; and culinary arts, health career, and credit recovery for students in secondary schools.
Sablan also announced that the PSS alternate education program is set to open this school year with four highly qualified teachers in content areas and 12 students registered for the program.
