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PSS files injunction against CNMI govt
The Public School System has filed an injunction that would guarantee the Public School System an annual budget of not less than 25% of the Commonwealth’s general revenue.
During a Board of Education special board meeting last Wednesday at Marianas High School, Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada signed the injunction before the board and PSS personnel. The document was filed yesterday at the CNMI Superior Court.
Three BOE members—Phillip Mendiola-Long, Marylou Ada, and Andrew Orsini—directed Ada to file the injunction immediately against the CNMI government. The lawsuit argues that the CNMI government gave PSS inaccurate allotments in fiscal year 2020, in violation of the CNMI constitution. BOE chair Janice Tenorio and vice chair Herman Atalig opposed the filing of the injunction.
Ada reiterated at the board meeting that, although he initially did not support filing the injunction considering the current economic state, he has since changed his mind because he wants what’s best for PSS.
“You [teachers] add value to the system. This is not you versus us, we have to unite and stand together. I plead to all of you for patience and understanding. Let’s weather this storm together, tough times don’t last forever, we will continue to focus on our purpose and our focus is to educate,” he said.
