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Educators echo calls to repeal 3-yr. limit
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Posted on Mar 06 2001
The stay limit law will jeopardize education in the Northern Marianas by placing undue burden on private schools, many of which employ nonresident teachers.
If enforced, Public Law 11-69 which requires guest workers to leave the Commonwealth after three years of employment, would deprive CNMI of valuable teacher, an increased teacher turn-over rate and possibly a widening shortage of manpower.
Mount Carmel School administration voiced out these concerns in a letter to Committee on Health and Welfare chair Malua T. Peter. Mt. Carmel School Principal Margaret Dela Cruz urged the legislator to support efforts to amend PL 11-69.
Aside from increased turn-over rate, private schools are bothered on higher tuition costs and aggravated problem arising from teacher shortage.
“PL 11-69 would deprive us of these valuable teachers and increase the teacher turn-over rate in our private schools, leaving many classrooms without teachers,” said Ms. Dela Cruz.
The principal said if private schools would increase teacher salaries to meet the $30,000 exemption stipulated in the public law, parents will pay dearly in higher tuition expenses.
The law and the present economic situation will drastically affect private schools and parents’ financial capability to afford private education for their children.
“Your commitment to education for our people surely will lead you to help such parents by amending or repealing PL 11-69 so that non-resident teachers in private schools may continue to cultivate the minds and hearts of our youth,” the principal pointed out.
She added that for the welfare and prosperity of the CNMI, private schools are looking at Legislature’s concerted effort to support calls to amend the law which was passed in March 1999.
By doing so, educators are optimistic that amendments will improve education in the Commonwealth, since teachers even those who are considered as guest workers, have committed over the years to help CNMI students to be well-rounded, civic-minded citizens.
Last week, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 12-317 which was introduced by Ms. Peter in efforts to institute amendments on PL 11-69. (EGA)
