Legislature eyes creation of fund for PSS’ technical education program

Both chambers of the Legislature have expressed support in creating a fund within the CNMI Treasury and Secretary of Finance that would make all disbursements to the Public School Systems for the operation of its technical education program.

This after both chambers passed House Bill 14-210, which authorizes the PSS to establish a technical education program at Marianas High School, Rota High School, and Tinian High School. The bill also indicated that the program could be expanded to other schools in the Commonwealth.

The PSS may implement the program in school year 2005-2006, or earlier if able to complete requirements.

The program shall include development of appropriate vocational and technical education curriculum, beginning with tourism, nursing assistant, and technology. Other programs may be entertained upon availability of funds. An “on-the-job training” will be available for individuals for their last two years in the program.

The two-year training must be equivalent to two years of work experience under the Nonresident Workers Act.

The program would also feature faculty training and development, as well as identification of appropriate sites on Rota and Tinian for future expansion of the program, and must also have student performance standards, as well as procedures for information exchange and curriculum collaboration with the Northern Marianas College and other departments, agencies, and business organizations.

The Legislature also indicated that the program must also have a monitoring mechanism to monitor effectiveness of the two-year training and employment of students for their first two years after completing the program.

Also, assessment of compensation of graduates of the program will be conducted. Wages for graduates shall not be lower than federal minimum wage.

The lawmakers also explained that a public education campaign for the program would be designed and developed. Also, they required that annual written reports be submitted to the Legislature and governor.

The PSS is also authorized to establish a curriculum development advisory committee that would comprise of PSS employees including teachers and program administrators that would be appointed by the education commissioner. Representatives from the Parents-Teachers Associations of public high schools, as well as other organization including the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association, and the Saipan Rotary Club, among others, may also serve on the committee.

“The primary duty of the committee is to recommend course to be offered and develop a plan for an effective implementation of a technical education curriculum,” a part of the bill read.

According to the bill, funding for the program would come from jackpot winnings tax, initial application fee and renewal fee for nonresident worker certificate, appropriations to the program, and if applicable, federal funds received by PSS.

Lawmakers indicated that $25 from the application and renewal fee and 10 percent of revenues collected from jackpot tax would be deposited into the fund, known as the Technical Education Program Fund.

The bill is awaiting approval of the governor.