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Building ready for PSS central office’s relocation
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Posted on Aug 04 2011
A 15-classroom building at Marianas High School is now being repaired for the upcoming transfer of the Public School System central offices from the Retirement Fund building on Capital Hill.
MHS acting principal Cherlyn Cabrera told Saipan Tribune that the school gave its Building F for the use of PSS starting Aug. 15, the target relocation date of the central office to the campus.
In a visit yesterday, construction and maintenance workers were seen repainting the classrooms, installing air-conditioning units, and repairing other areas in the facility.
PSS financial consultant Ed Tenorio, who was at the site yesterday, told Saipan Tribune that the system will save a significant amount by relocating to a system-owned property.
The PSS’ lease with the Fund expired on April 30; it was issued a short-term lease extension up to end of August. PSS’ monthly rental at the Fund building amounts to close to $20,000 and is billed $10,000 in monthly utility consumption.
PSS had wanted a lower lease term with the Fund, to which the Fund agreed to but under certain conditions, including a three-month deposit and a separate meter for power or a separate deposit for its utility payments. The terms were not acceptable to the school system and its board.
Although MHS gave up some of its classrooms for PSS, Cabrera assured that the school will not be short of classrooms this new school year. She said the campus has about 50 classrooms and can accommodate up to 1,500 enrollees.
MHS ended last school year with 1,295 enrollees. As of this week, Cabrera said the school has already registered 1,460 students.
To create more classroom space, Cabrera said that the performing arts classes in Building D will be transferred to Building T, which has a spacious area that can accommodate up to 200 people. Building T is the school’s warehouse facility. The MHS JROTC building will also be used as classrooms when classes open in September.
Cabrera said that MHS has about 40 classroom teachers this new school year. She said 10 more teachers are needed before classes open. MHS is the largest public high school in the Commonwealth.
