Duncan hails NMI school system for its accomplishments

Education Secretary Arne Duncan commended yesterday the NMI Public School System and the Board of Education for their aggressive actions and commitment to push for reforms in public education despite the financial challenges it has experienced throughout the years.

At the same time, Duncan encouraged local education officials to apply for the “Promising Neighborhood Grant” to help improve the quality of life and education of schoolchildren.

During the 30-minute conference call yesterday, Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan informed Duncan of the strides made by the local school system, highlighting reading levels and SAT-10 results.

Sablan reported that at the end of 2009, 48 percent of students were already reading at their grade level. At the same time, SAT-10 scores showed significant increases ranging from 33 percentile to 51 percentile at the end of school year 2010.

The commissioner also shared with Duncan that 60 percent of high school graduates this school year are going to go on to college while 30 percent will join the military. Only 10 percent, she said, will be immediately joining the workforce.

Sablan also highlighted the strengths and unique qualities of the CNMI school system: being the only and first public school district in the Pacific Region to be accredited K-12 school districtwide by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund it received last year, she said, was the first approved by the national government among insular areas and is the only area not considered at-risk.

She also cited PSS’ 10-year history of clean audits without questioned costs.

Duncan was also updated about ongoing projects funded by federal programs such as the green energy project, school buses, laptops for students, career technical education programs, repairs and renovations of schools, as well as the restoration of over a hundred teacher and counselor positions.

PSS has about 11,000 enrollees and employs 565 classroom teachers in its 20 campuses on three islands.

Duncan urged PSS officials to apply for the “Promising Neighborhood Grant,” a competitive grant that has been opened to outlying areas.

Sablan vowed to submit a proposal before the Sept. 6 deadline. She said a committee is currently reviewing the application for board approval.

Once approved, PSS will get $500,000 in additional financial assistance.

Board of Education chair Marylou Ada described yesterday’s conversation with Duncan as “a good dialogue” that will surely benefit Commonwealth students. She lauded Duncan for taking the time to listen to PSS issues and promised that the board and the PSS leadership will continue their aggressive efforts and dedication to improve the quality of education in the CNMI.