THE total financial aid that the Public School System would receive from the federal government by the end of fiscal year 2002 would reach $17.194 million, documents showed.
The amount is meant to supplement the PSS budget this fiscal year, which amounts to more than $37 million.
But despite the federal government’s generous assistance, PSS continues to experience funding shortage and has not increased the salaries of its teachers for the past three years.
About $4.7 million of the federal funds is earmarked for food and nutrition assistance given to students enrolled in schools.
This money is spent to provide school children with nutritious food to ensure that they reach their maximum health potential.
Last month, PSS solicited bid proposals from qualified food management companies that could prepare and deliver breakfast and lunch for the students of Marianas High School, Kagman High School, Koblerville High School and Tinian High School.
The special education program is also among the top federal fund recipients—it receives $3.32 million.
The CNMI government’s share for the same program this year will reach $2.13 million.
Head Start, which has a current enrollment of 523, costs both the federal and local governments $2.232 million this year.
More than 10,000 students are currently enrolled in various public schools, PSS said.
