Sablan said Public Law 10-48 “does not require us to submit anything to” the bureau.
She added, “They are the ones required to come and inspect our schools which we welcome to make sure that we’re adhering to their standards.”
According to Sablan, the Public School System has its own policy that requires schools to maintain a safe, orderly and conducive environment to student learning.
Sablan wants the bureau to explain how PSS schools are noncompliant with the sanitation rules.
“If they say we’re not complying…show us why,” she said. “Absolutely, there is no record because we are not required to submit anything for that matter.”
She said with or without a permit, PSS has been consistent in maintaining a healthy environment for students.
The bureau, she added, should consider public schools as its customer.
“We are their customers so they should come out and work with us and see to it that we have the highest sanitary standard because, I for one, I would like to make sure our campuses are safe and healthy for our students,” Sablan said.
Three schools and a Head Start center were ordered closed on Sept. 8 due to “water contamination.”
The shutdown order was rescinded by the governor on the following day.
He earlier asked education officials to reschedule the opening of classes due to the island’s power crisis.
But PSS and the Board of Education turned down his “request.”
According to Sablan, “Each day we have roughly over 11,000 people entering our campuses. It is a challenge for us to maintain our campus healthy and safe…but our schools, PTAs, and partners in the community are consistent in meeting this challenge.”
In an earlier interview, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said his shutdown order was “the right thing to do.”
