Previous Story
Senate OKs technical school proposal
|
Posted on Dec 02 2004
The bill proposing to create a technical school on Saipan is now up for the governor’s signature following the Senate’s approval of the proposal yesterday.
The Senate’s decision was formally made in yesterday’s session.
The proposal, House Bill 14-210, seeks to authorize the Public School System to develop the technical education program at Marianas High School in efforts to reduce dependence on foreign workers in the CNMI.
The House Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Justo Quitugua, who also authored the bill, said there is a need to integrate technical curriculum in public high schools to prepare students for higher education or immediate employment.
It said that many students who are not inclined to pursue higher education are experiencing tremendous difficulty in finding jobs in the Commonwealth for lack of technical skills or training.
The bill was introduced early this year based on a PSS survey indicating that 88 percent responded favorably to the creation of a technical school.
The bill seeks to establish a curriculum development advisory committee to recommend courses that would be taught at the technical school.
According to the bill, the Commissioner on Education would appoint teachers and program administrators to the committee from parent-teacher associations of public high schools, Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association, Saipan Rotary Club, Northern Marianas College, and other groups.
The bill states that technical education may be expanded to other schools, while the curriculum may be expanded to include other courses upon the availability of funds.
The bill identifies the nonresident workers’ fee and revenues from jackpot winnings as possible sources of funding for the program.
A feasibility study indicated that over $2 million would be initially needed to convert the Marianas High School into a technical school. The program would need close to $860,000 during the second year, and over $1 million for the third year. The costs would cover personnel, equipment and supplies.
