PSS decries governor’s lower budget request for public schools

Education officials are disappointed after finding out that the Inos administration had rejected their proposed budget for next fiscal year.

The Board of Education approved last month a $40-million spending plan for the Public School System in fiscal year 2015. The recommendation included plans to provide salary adjustments to personnel and restoring over 100 positions, majority of which are classroom teachers, among others.

On Friday, Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan reported to the board during its special meeting that Gov. Eloy S. Inos, in his budget plan submitted to the Legislature, recommended only $33 million for public schools—about $7 million less than what the system had asked for.

“We’re not too happy how it [budget proposal] was put together and we felt the need [for us] to do something because it’s really a decline,” Sablan told the board, adding that the leadership team is working with its consultants on the best way to approach the Legislature, which will ultimately decide on the budget plan. She said that PSS will meet with lawmakers on the issue.

PSS financial consultant Ed Tenorio and legislative consultant Diego Benavente are expected to provide the assist PSS will need to get a higher budget for public schools.

Board chair Herman T. Guerrero shared his dismay and disappointment upon learning about the governor’s budget proposal. He hopes that lawmakers, in considering the situation of public schools, will allocate a higher budget for education in the end.

Guerrero said he understand the present economic state of the islands but he also pointed out that there should also be clear understanding on the responsibility of the government for children’s education.

“It is important for our government to show to the community that education is also important,” Guerrero told Saipan Tribune.

For many years now, PSS has been given a budget ranging from $29 million to $33 million to operate its 19 campuses with nearly 11,000 students. It also receives federal funds that range between $28 million and $30 million every year.

Guerrero said that federal monies are supposed to supplement public schools’ local budget only and are specifically intended for certain purposes and projects.

If the budget for public schools remains low next fiscal year, one area that Guerrero said would be impacted is the much-needed repairs and maintenance of facilities, which in the end would be detrimental to the system-wide accreditation of the institution.

Guerrero disclosed that PSS was found “weak” in the area of infrastructure and resources due to the deferred maintenance of facilities.

PSS’ request for a $40-million budget for fiscal year 2015 is similar to prior years’ funding requests.

Under this proposal, 79 percent is allocated for personnel cost at $31.63 million, which is 12 percent higher than the current personnel budget of $28.2 million.

The proposed allocation for utilities is $3.87 million, which is higher than the current CUC budget of $2.3 million. The all others will be allocated $3 million—an increase of $1 million from what it is currently getting. The other item under the proposal is $1.5 million for school repairs and maintenance.

At present, PSS’ budget is at $33 million.