House Joint Resolution 16-11, authored by Rep. David Apatang, R-Saipan, authorizes PSS, on behalf of CNMI government, to incur a public debt up to $20 million for the construction of gymnasiums at Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High, Hopwood, Rota High, and Tinian Junior and Senior High School, as well as the renovation of classrooms and other capital improvement projects.
In an interview on Wednesday, Board of Education member Marylou S. Ada said BOE and PSS is reviewing the public schools’ seven-year CIP plan for 2004 to 2012.
Ada, who chairs the board’s capital improvement projects committee, said they are constantly communicating with Apatang regarding the status of the review.
“We wanted to have stronger words [in the resolution] so that the commissioner of education has the expenditure authority,” she said. “And as soon as we complete the review, we need to go back to the board to make the necessary changes.”
Ada said the revised bond proposal will be re-introduced by Apatang.
“There’s a need to go back and revisit the seven-year plan to make sure that it is in line with the current situation as far as infrastructure, logistics, and homesteads are concerned. We need to identify where new schools need to be located,” she said, adding that the “shifting of demographics” is an important factor to consider in the plan.
She said they have to look at the projected population per area and the government’s homestead plans.
BOE has informed lawmakers that there is a need to build new junior and high schools and construct additional classrooms to eliminate overcrowding at public schools.
