PSS gears up for more technology- oriented schools

Public education in the CNMI is becoming more technology-oriented with close to $500,000 in new financial assistance awarded by the U.S. Schools and Libraries Division to the Public School System to equip each classroom with latest technology devices.

With resources available to connect schools to Internet and distance learning, PSS is anticipating lesser hurdles in linking public schools on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian through interaction using Internet-ready computers, cellular phones, and long distance telephone communication.

PSS had earlier aimed for an 82 percent telecommunication discount rate or E-Rate to avail of these services from SLD but was only granted a discount of up to 76 percent.

SLD’s decision to reduce PSS’ discount rate will cause the school system to do without vital telecommunications services, which include a system-wide electronic network with high-speed fiber optics and T-1 Internet connection and video capabilities.

Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos is however intent on appealing SLD’s decision.

She explained that SLD reduced the discount rate based on interpretation that each school needed 50 percent return rate of the survey that was conducted December of 1999. PSS’ survey return rate apparently fell short of the requirement.

“PSS is appealing SLD’s decision to award the 76 percent rate rather than at the 82 percent rate in PSS’ E-rate application. I believe we have a good chance of prevailing in the appeal,” said Dr. Inos.

Should PSS be successful in its appeal, GTEPacifica and Marianas Electronics International will be awarded close to $2 million in additional funds to interconnect each classroom with voice, data, and video cabling and fiber optic-based ATM technologies. MCV will link the schools on Saipan with fiber optics.

The approved 76 percent discount will entitle PSS special rates on telephone services to be provided for schools, a cellular phone to be obtained for each school, the interconnection of all CNMI public schools to the CNMI PSS District Office for Internet and Distance learning programs, and the interconnection of PSS to the Pan-Pacific Education and Communication Experiments by Satellite PEACESAT program for Internet and Access and Distance Learning.

According to Dr. Inos, the E-rate package and award would not have been possible if not for the hard work and efforts of the PSS E-Rate team: Louise Concepcion, Jerry McVicar, Cathy Pangelinan Salas, Nic Sablan; the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning PEACESAT team: James Bannan and Dr. Norman Okamura; and the Office of Community and Cultural Affairs team: Maggie Sablan, Lillian Tenorio, and Rochelle Teregeyo.

The commissioner also commends Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio and Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan who have pledged their support and matching funds to assist PSS in this endeavor.

“PSS also thanks Bob Webb, special assistant for telecommunications, CUC which has committed the use of its power poles to hook up some of the fiber optic and copper that will be used in the development of the E-rate network, and the service providers involved which include MTC and MCV. MTC will provide the telecommunication services and internal connections for Rota, Saipan, and Tinian,” said Dr. Inos.

E-rate or education rate is the federal discount program for telecommunications services created through the Telecommunications Competition and Deregulation Act of 1996. (MM)