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BOE hopes to increase bus drivers’ salaries
The CNMI Board of Education would look into the possibility of increasing the salaries of bus drivers employed by the Public School System. The issue was discussed in Monday’s board meeting held at the PSS emergency operations office conference room on Capital Hill.
BoE member Denise “Tanya” R. King said raising their salaries should be a major concern by the board. “Most of the bus drivers are living below the poverty line and sometimes most of them are forced to look for a second job to support their families.”
BoE chair Herman T. Guerrero said that a proper compensation for the drivers must also be in place since they are the ones who are driving the kids to and from the school.
“They [bus drivers] need not be tired and they need proper rest when driving the students. Although, we’re not sure how much the Legislature will give, there’s also the civil service asking the government to increase the salaries of public servants,” Guerrero added.
The BoE assured that they would have the sufficient funds for all public schools to continue its operations and the students having the necessary instructors, teachers, and staff.
BoE has also passed yesterday its proposed budget of $39,583,287 for fiscal year 2016-2017.
Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan said they would look into other essentials of each school. “We will be needing additional buildings for next school year and we need to support our other programs. We will also need additional teachers for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.”
The PSS is also seeking additional funds for its operations with the increase of health insurance premiums, to make all school facilities safe, and adjusting the salaries of administrative and teaching staff.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is also requiring that all buildings that they funded in repairs must also be insured.
