Senate president opposes merger of Rota’s junior high, high schools

Senate President Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota) expressed opposition yesterday to a proposal that will merge the junior high and high school on Rota, citing potential unconstructive effects it may have on the island’s students.

In a letter to Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan yesterday, Manglona said the plan may jeopardize the safety and quality of learning for students as different groups of enrollees will be combined in one campus.

“Concerns have been raised in regards to the bus accommodations for the high school students, particularly those enrolled in the JROTC program, physical education classes, and other computer services offered by the senior high school. Another concern is the number of bullying cases reported and the likelihood of middle school students being bullied,” said Manglona in his letter to Sablan.

He also cited as a concern the increasing number of teen pregnancies. Manglona said he is certain that parents, community leaders, and educators would not encourage a 7th grader, who has yet to mature, to be in the same area as a 12th grader, who is considered a young adult.

“This troublesome idea seems to encourage quick-maturity and promiscuity, especially since I have not seen or heard of a program on Rota to battle these types of situations,” the lawmaker said, adding that he is also worried that there is not enough time to merge the two schools this year.

Manglona said he is unaware of any practical planning and organization relating to the merger. He pointed out that such planning requires at least a year before actual enforcement.

The Public School System is eyeing the merger of the two schools to maximize its limited resources. The proposal is in today’s Board of Education meeting agenda.

If there is a need to merge public schools, Manglona recommended that PSS combine the elementary and junior high school in one campus—but not junior and high schools. He cited some public schools in the United States that have implemented such a merger.

“Merging the Rota elementary and junior high schools is a better solution for cost-cutting measures, with at least one year of preparation,” he said.

He urged PSS and the board to consult with parents and community leaders on Rota before deciding on the matter.