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Low PSS budget shouldn’t be a damper: Legislator
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Posted on Dec 03 1998
Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider said a low budget should not be tied to quality education and should instead be taken as a challenge by the Public School System to deliver more for less.
“If private schools can do it cheaper, then the challenge is for public schools to outperform them at its current level of appropriation,” said Hofschneider, the chairman of the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.
Hofschneider renewed his support for the school system, saying: “Until we have concluded with our goals and objectives on how best to improve upon our system, then they have my undivided attention and unwavering support for greater portion of the appropriation.”
PSS announced on Monday a 9-10 percent salary reduction following a cut in its general budget — from $42 million in fiscal 1998 to $38 million this year.
While Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos assured that there would be no layoffs, fear persists that this direction might ultimately be taken if funds fell short.
Already, 90-day notices were issued to PSS staff whose job contracts are yet being finalized.
Hofschneider suggests that PSS consider converting some of its schools into specialized institutions to produce better graduates and possibly receive fund injection from the federal government.
Thomas W. Barlow, a director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Assistance of PREL, had informed PSS that millions in education funds may be obtained for charter schools, or those that chose to become self-sustaining under a specialized program. An example of a charter school is one on performing arts.
Barlow said CNMI may work to qualify for the funding.
Hofschneider said he might reintroduce his idea of dispensing with school vouchers to boost education funds. But this, he said, would be taken as a last resort.
