Kagman school opening pushed back

The unveiling of the newly-constructed Kagman Elementary School will not push through on the CNMI-wide school opening scheduled for Aug. 7, Board of Education Vice Chair Roman Benavente disclosed yesterday.

Fending off speculations that lack of funds hamper the $6 million campus from operating in time for the upcoming academic year, Mr. Benavente made clear the unanticipated late arrival of ceiling materials was to blame for the delay in the project’s opening.

“Personally, I don’t think the school will be ready on Monday,” said Mr. Benavente in an interview.

The projected time extension for the completion of the remaining construction work has been set between Aug. 15 until the middle part of September, according to the vice chair.

Mr. Benavente also dismissed speculations that the campus will open last compared to other public schools due to lack of personnel.

He explained that the staffing problem has already been addressed by Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos through PSS teacher and staff relocation.

“The Commissioner has already thought out alternatives. She has readied plans to juggle the staff around to accommodate the Kagman students,” said Mr. Benavente.

Until the school is 100 percent complete, some 675 students enrolled at the newest elementary school will just have to stay at their old schools a while longer, according to the BOE member.

“They will be moved to the Kagman school in due time, maybe September. And I don’t see much problem with this. They will be moving with their teachers anyway so I foresee the shifting to go smooth,” he added.

Contractors are currently supplying the necessary roofing materials to prevent leaks from penetrating the interior of the building structures.

But aside from this and several minor touch-up jobs, Mr. Benavente assured the project is very much in line with the original schedule.

“Other issues with regard to the project has already been addressed. And I just want to say that despite this unfortunate delay, we are very happy that we have this school already established,” the board member said.

“The Kagman village is very lucky to have this additional infrastructure in their community,” he added.

The nearly-complete campus now boasts of eight artistically designed buildings, 27 fully-air-conditioned classrooms that can accommodate 25 students per room.

Each building is also furnished with a pair of common toilets save for one building which has a built-in restroom in each classroom, for the youngest grade schoolers.

The school also features a 675-capacity cafetorium, a library, and room to accommodate more than 30 computer units.

Students will also be provided with their own lockers.

The campus is also complete with spacious parking area, a baseball field, and basketball court.

Furthermore, the structures are also expected to withstand typhoons as PSS has approved the installation of sophisticated typhoon shutters in all classroom windows. (MM)