BOARD of Education Chairman Andrew Orsini said any travel request by any education official will neither be misused nor abused because it will be fully funded by the federal government.
Orsini, BOE vice chairman Herman Atalig, members Gregory Borja and Antonio L. Borja voted to lift the suspension of travel in the Public School System as requested by PSS itself through Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada.
Atalig voted yes, but on the condition that there be a bimonthly report on all travels made by PSS officials and staffers.
In an interview after the board meeting, Orsini said it is “critically important” to lift the travel suspension.
“Travel is fully funded by federal money,” he added. “All requests for travel will be scrutinized regarding their urgency and if it involves existing federal programs,” Orsini said.
“Funds must be used appropriately or future federal funding for such essential travels will cease,” he added.
Before the BOE voted on lifting the suspension on PSS travel, PSS officials stressed the importance of federally funded training programs for teachers, support and administrative staffers that will require off-island travels.
These are essential for the professional development of teachers and other education staff members, PSS officials said.
Board of Education Chairman Andrew Orsini speaks during a board meeting.
