PSS said the amount included the $2 million Compact-Impact fund for fiscal year 2008 earmarked by the administration to public schools, and the $2 million deducted by the central government from the school system’s budget in FY 2006.
“Those are still listed in our books as receivables…the reason why we cannot reconcile our figures,” PSS acting finance director Lori Grizzard told Variety on Tuesday.
In FY 2006, PSS said it was supposed to receive a $37.2 million budget but only $35 million was remitted to the school system.
Grizzard, however, admitted that they are no longer hoping to receive the $2 million from FY 2006 after the administration claimed that the money was already transferred.
“But our records will show otherwise,” she said.
Acting Commissioner of Education Charlie Kenty said public schools will “suffer more” in the current school year as a result of their “very limited funding” for operation and all others.
PSS stands to receive $36.4 million in FY 2009 if the governor approves the Legislature’s budget proposal.
Of this figure, $32 million is for personnel wage while the remaining balance will pay for the schools’ operation, supplies and utilities.
PSS expects to pay $4 million for its annual utility consumption.
“Obviously, our schools are faced with more challenges this school year,” Kenty said. “The proposed local appropriation for PSS suggests less operational budget for our schools. Imagine what will happen to a big school like Marianas High School with about 1,300 students if we have only $60,000-$80,000 operational budget for MHS? Keep in mind that we still have maintenance staff and security personnel to maintain and protect our kids on campus.”
PSS officials said the $4 million from the central government will help pay the schools’ $1.2 million debt to the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and $7 million obligation to the Retirement Fund.
