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BOE, PSS see more challenges in 2006
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Posted on Jan 04 2006
The Board of Education and the Public School System predict that 2006 will be a year of many challenges.
BOE chair Roman C. Benavente said these challenges include funding issues for the construction and development of new schools and maintenance of school facilities to solve the problem of overcrowding in Commonwealth public schools.
“This year we would have to open ourselves more [to outside help]. We have to work more diligently with the Senate, the House, and the Governor’s Office to make sure that we would get what we need and what we ask for,” said Benavente.
Another challenge for PSS will be getting all CNMI public school teachers to take and pass PRAXIS as a federal requirement for “Highly Qualified Teachers” in all public schools across the nation.
Transition Committee representatives visited the board last month assuring them of support from Gov.-elect Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov.-elect Timothy Villagomez. Transition Committee chair Martin Manglona also said the new administration would respect PSS’ autonomy.
Committee members earlier told BOE and PSS officials that the incoming administration would focus on rebuilding the economy first in order for government agencies like the PSS to get their needed funding.
Education associate commissioner for administrative services David M. Borja, for his part, said 2006 would be a year of reflection for PSS: its new direction, where it had been, and where it would be heading.
“But no matter what, PSS would have to make sure that there’s positive learning,” Borja said, adding that student learning would remain the priority of PSS.
He said the incoming administration’s plan to focus on the economy is laudable, “because the economy is very important,” he said.
