BOE to revisit decision on injunction

The Board of Education is set to revisit the decision to file an injunction against the CNMI government that would guarantee the Public School System an annual budget of not less than 25% of the Commonwealth’s general revenue.

During an emergency board meeting yesterday, BOE chairwoman Janice Tenorio called for a regular board meeting next Wednesday to re-discuss the injunction that is set to be heard by the Superior Court in June.

According to Tenorio, a relationship with the CNMI government is crucial in light of the CNMI’s current economic downturn as a result of COVID-19.

“We had a very good working relationship with the government. Put politics aside, that was our strength,” she said.

Board member Marylou Ada was in support of revisiting the injunction, but only after a meeting is held with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and the entire board to negotiate assistance to pay off PSS’ missed payrolls.

“I know that the government is willing to sit and talk with us and times are critical and a lot of our employees are really suffering. If we can get an appointment with the governor to sit down and see how much and how fast he can provide us aid, we will start thinking of negotiations,” she said.

Ada said if Torres is willing to sit down with the board, then the board should do it, if it means paying teachers and staff what they are owed.

“It’s really hurting us and the injunction hearing is in June. …If he is willing to sit down with us and talk to us, let’s do it. We really need all the help we can get. We cannot wait another day. We’re missing over three payrolls and our employees really need it,” Ada said

Ada added that now is the time to negotiate with the governor because many people are suffering greatly.

“We can negotiate with him, let’s start dialoguing. We cannot continue to act like this because people are suffering. I would say yes to meeting with the governor so we can get an amicable solution. We cannot delay this anymore. We need to get money out to our employees and teachers,” she said.

Vice chair Herman Atalig added that the injunction has proven to be a major obstacle for PSS in resolving its financial issues.

“We are standing all alone. I humbly ask our colleagues to consider the injunction for the benefit of all our employees for the CNMI. We need to build a relationship and work together as one CNMI. Let us put our pride aside and work with our government,” he said.