BOE okays 2 new high school for Saipan

The Board of Education yesterday approved a plan to build two new high schools early next year to ease overcrowding at the Marianas High School and Hopwood Junior High School.

According to Anthony Pellegrino, BOE member and chair of the CIP Committee, the total budget for the project is $19. The amount will also cover expenses for the construction of one junior high school.

Based on a plan submitted by the committee to the board, the schools will be located in Kagman and Koblerville. Each school can accommodate 600 students, a capacity which officials said is enough to address the projected 3 percent annual growth in student population on Saipan for the next 10 years.

With a 1,200 student population in Hopwood High at present, enrollment is projected to reach 1,613 by the year 2010. On the other hand, MHS’ current enrollment is 1,738 and is expected to swell to 2,336 in the next 10 years.

The projected cost for the construction of a high school in Koblerville is $7.5 million. The new school will be built on a property owned by the Public School System.

The two Kagman facilities — one junior high school and a new high school will be erected on the 15.7 hectare lot where the new elementary school is under construction. Estimated budget is $11.5 million.

Both high schools in Koblerville and Kagman will have at least 24 classrooms plus vocational education shops, computer room, science lab, track and field and baseball field.

“If we are going to insist on a fancy building with a lot of frills, it cannot be done at this price. What we must have and have it quickly is a good, sturdy, clean school environment where learning can take place. Fancy edifices do not make for better education,” Mr. Pellegrino said.

Using a design and build method, he said BOE will ask an architectural firm to do a basic design for the schools which is expected to be finished in 45 to 60 days. Bidding will be held to choose the contractor. Progress of the work will be monitored by a construction manager.

Mr. Pellegrino said the board has agreed to fast-track the project due to the immediate need in meeting the expected influx of students in Marianas High and Hopwood.

Last week, the board finally decided to split the high school project after months of futile search for the site of Saipan’s second high school.