Leaders want better site for Kagman high school

House leaders are currently in search of a better location for the proposed Kagman High School, citing the school facility should be positioned on a site that has ample room for future expansions.

The planned high school which is eyed to occupy the space beside the new elementary and the proposed junior public high schools in Kagman is reportedly too narrow to accommodate the anticipated growth in student population.

“It’s too small and there would be no room for expansion. And if you take a look at our population, it is increasing,” Rep. Tom Pangelinan pointed out during a meeting between Public School System officials and lawmakers Tuesday.

The former BOE member also expressed fears the proposed facility which is projected to house 675 senior high school students may experience “overcrowding” the moment it is completed.

“This is not a good projection. We should build the high school in a large piece of land with expansion opportunities,” the legislator added.

Board of Education member Anthony Pellegrino explained to lawmakers PSS’ decision to construct the facility beside the two campuses was not made lightly.

“This was not an overnight decision. We have put a lot of thought into it and since it was the only site available, we decided to approve it,” said Mr. Pellegrino, who is the chair for the BOE committee on Capital Improvement Projects.

The BOE member, however, agreed with house leaders that the current construction site for the high school is not an “ideal” one.

“We would jump at the chance to have the school built on a better location,” he added.

Mr. Pellegrino said the board is open to suggestions and would welcome the Legislature’s assistance on selecting a more feasible location.

“This is a challenge to the education committee to find a suitable place where it is possible to conduct campus expansions when the need arises,” Mr. Pangelinan imposed on fellow members of the House Committee on Education.

PSS this week unveiled concrete plans to fast-track the construction of three new schools to be built on Saipan.

A meeting with construction experts, PSS, and the Legislature was held recently to study the blueprints for the multi-million dollar facilities which is targeted to eliminate overcrowding in public junior and senior high schools.