By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

CNMI teacher representative Ambrose Bennett yesterday called on the Board of Education to ask Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to declare an economic disaster in view of the problems faced by the Public School System.
Bennett said that this will help PSS obtain “relief funds” from the federal government, which is already providing the school system with over $20 million in grants each year.
“Given that the board is contemplating the termination of the support staff and other cost-cutting measures, I believe it is in the best interests of our students, teachers, staff and the entire system to make an appeal to the U.S. Department of Education for assistance in the form of relief funds,” Bennett said in his letter to BOE.
He said this will help PSS at this time of “disaster or depression.”
Bennett said there is more than enough evidence to justify the CNMI’s rapidly decaying ability to maintain the school system “which is not the fault of PSS but that of the CNMI government and we need to make it known in Washington.”
He added, “I believe the board should take advantage of the potential to receive federal funds in an emergency or disaster before we start terminating staff that will surely lead to the closing of schools especially when we cannot even afford bus drivers or fuel to bring the children to school.”
Bennett said he sees that there won’t be a problem declaring an economic disaster given the fact that garment factories are closing down “without notice” and the poor condition of the tourist industry.
In case the governor refuses to ask for USDOE’s help, Bennett said the board can ask for the “federalization” of PSS.
BOE Chairman Roman C. Benavente said they will look into Bennett’s proposal.