Private schools get $1.3M from federal grant

The Public School System is making sure that the private sector gets its share of federal dollars and, to this end, has distributed over $1.3 million to the 20 private schools in the CNMI.

Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos said Tuesday that the allocation is made under the innovative assistance grant program.

Each school will decide how it will use the funds to purchase instructional materials and equipment that would directly benefit the students, said Inos in a statement.

The private school allocations are as follows:

* Eucon International School, $65,912;

* Brilliant Star Montessori School, $38,070;

* Calvary Christian Academy, $91,481;

* Golden Harvest International School, $24,433;

* Grace Christian Academy Rota, $36,365;

* Grace Christian Academy Saipan, $196,032;

* Grace Christian Academy Tinian, $44,320;

* Green Meadow School, $14,773;

* K-5 Development Center, $16,477;

* Joshua Generation Academy, $23,864;

* Marianas Baptist Academy, $56,252;

* Mount Carmel School, $331,834;

* San Francisco de Borja, $36,365;

* St. Joseph Catholic School Tinian, $22,160;

* Sr. Remedios Pre-School, $31,819;

* Saipan Community School, $114,210;

* Saipan International School, $103,892;

* Seventh Day Adventist School, $30,683; and

* Whispering Palms School, $31,819.

The commissioner also said that slightly over $1 million has been earmarked for school improvement projects such as the Saturday Reading Program, student academic competitions such as the National Forensic League and other programs that directly benefit both public and private school students and their teachers.

In all, private schools received an allocation of school improvement funds in the amount of $200,641 to support student and teacher participation in school improvement projects.

Inos said that private schools also receive catered school breakfast and lunches provided by private catering companies.

She commended all private schools for the academic achievements of their students and for the excellent use of technology and supplemental educational services provided through the innovative assistance program.

“The federal support that PSS receives from the U.S. Department of Education is absolutely essential to the effective operation of our schools,” Inos said.

She also thanked the U.S. Department of Education for their timely support for a quality education for all the children enrolled in CNMI schools.