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FOR NEW SY 2014-2015
$3.7M increase sought in PSS consolidated grant
The Public School System wants a higher consolidated grant award next school year in order to expand PSS’ technology program and to be able to hire more teachers.
Endorsed by the PSS leadership, the Board of Education recently approved the submission of a grant application that seeks a $3.7-million increase in the annual consolidated grant. PSS currently gets $8.6 million. With the new submission for school year 2014-2015, PSS will get $12.3 million if the new funding is approved.
Based on document obtained by Saipan Tribune, the proposed $12.3 million consolidated grant will be used for the following purposes:
- $700,000 for 21st century technology
- $650,000 for 18 class-size reduction teachers for secondary schools
- $1.1 million for expanded OJT programs at high schools
- $300,000 for summer schools and credit recovery courses
- $300,000 for early learning
- $645,000 for heroes to teachers with 29 FTEs
- $250,000 for student competitions
- $1.1 million for class size reduction teachers for elementary (26 FTEs)
- $2 million for school-wide programs
- $750,000 for 30 Title I teachers
- $803,000 for distance education courses
- $500,000 for laptops using the distributive network
- $220,000 for professional developments
- $756,000 for network computers and equipment
- $900,000 for assessments
In a presentation submitted to the Board of Education, PSS federal programs officer Tim Thornburgh indicated that the “SY 2014-2015 CG Plan is designed to provide students, their teachers, school leaders and parents with a resource-rich environment at every school that facilitates teaching and learning.”
As of April this year, the $8.6 million consolidated grant for this fiscal year funds 88 full-time employees assigned to various PSS programs.
In fiscal year 2014, total federal grants approved for PSS is $32.192 million, including the $8.6 million consolidated grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Other federal programs under the auspices of the school system include Head Start, Special Education, Early Intervention, and School Breakfast and Lunch program, among others.
