PSS autonomy assured

The incoming administration of Gov.-elect Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov.-elect Timothy P. Villagomez has made it clear that it would respect the autonomy of the Public School System as well as support its various projects.

Transition Committee sub-chairs Daniel Nielsen and Frank Rabauliman attended the special board meeting of the Board of Education Friday morning and assured its members that the PSS would have the full support of the incoming administration.

Nielsen said they presented to the board the outline of the next administration’s position in education matters.

“The governor-elect will listen to them [PSS],” he said, adding that the new administration would allow the board to continue its implementation of education projects.

Nielsen said the new administration will listen to the BOE about their budget requirements, but just the same, the BOE still must justify and support their budget requests.

“We’re with them [PSS] in identifying their resources.”

The sub-chair also promised the board that it would facilitate a seamless transition next year. The Fitial administration will assume office on Jan. 9, 2006.

Retiring Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos said the presentation of the Transition Committee PSS sub-chairs was a very positive gesture.

“We’re very excited to be working with them,” she said, adding that the PSS is overjoyed with the promised “cooperation” of the next administration.

Though the Transition Committee also reiterated the priorities of the incoming administration, which is to focus on reviving the economy, Inos said, they understand where the next administration is coming from. “The economy has to improve in order for us [PSS] to receive more resources,” Inos said.

Inos said she is aware of the good intentions of the new governor, who once said that education should not be compromised and should be given importance.

Board chair Benavente also expressed his gratitude to the incoming administration’s promise. He said the board is very hopeful that the PSS and the incoming administration would work well together.

He said they are looking forward to more open dialogues and discussions between PSS and the executive department.

“We’re very glad about their comments,” Benavente said.