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PSS eyes popular initiative to mandate kindergarten
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Posted on May 21 1999
In the wake of reports that the Legislature will unlikely act on the proposed amendment that will mandate kindergarten, the Public School System said the education sector is willing to work with lawmakers and is open to submit the initiative in the November elections.
“It is better if we will work with the legislature,” said Board of Education Chairman Esther Fleming.
Despite Rep. Malua Peter’s move to shelve the legislative proposal which will amend the Education Act and include five-year old children, public elementary schools in the three islands have started their registration for the kindergarten.
Last week, the Board has instructed schools to start their registration for kindergarten after PSS completed its count of the number of teachers who will be on board next school year.
Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos delayed temporarily the registration for kindergarten since certified teachers are assigned to these classes and PSS may need them in the primary level.
Fleming also ruled out any move of the PSS to seek the age amendment through a popular mandate this November.
The board said PSS are set to pursue a popular mandate to amend the CNMI Constitution in seeking an increase of its share in the annual revenue of the government.
The PSS will fight to clinch a 25 percent guaranteed funding and strike out the free public education provision stipulated in the constitution.
According to Fleming, removing such provision will offer flexibility to PSS especially during time of tight financial condition.
There are some school materials which students will use that PSS can share the cost with parents.
“It will be a tough one,” she said, as the Board anticipates heated- debate on both amendments.
Chairman for the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare Heinz Hofschneider said in an earlier interview that PSS is receiving more than the 15 percent guaranteed funding and was not supporting the constitutional amendment.
The PSS officials are looking at pursuing both amendments either through legislative initiative or get a direct mandate from the voters in November.
