Barcinas said the school’s funding dilemma has delayed the paving of the campus parking lot, the construction of six new classrooms and a computer laboratory, and the awnings for the drop off and pick up area so that children will not get wet when it rains.
“We truly need some funding to make these projects a reality for our children,” Barcinas said.
He added that DES is not the only school suffering from the budget crisis and he is hoping that members of the community will provide support to these schools.
Barcinas said business establishments can provide educational tax credit, or ETC, donations.
“I understand and feel the pain that our schools are experiencing,” he said.
Among the pressing problems of the schools are electrical concerns, restroom and lighting problems, termites, renovations, leakage, ground maintenance, cleaning and office supplies, security services, collateral equipment and fire alarms.
Barcinas is also appealing to the island’s leaders to visit their campus and assess its needs so they could come up with ways to provide the needed funding.
“Our Board of Education and Public School System leadership team are working so hard to make sure that the schools are operating efficiently but the lack of funds has put us in a tight situation,” Barcinas said.
He said without federal funding, public schools will have bigger problems.
“As the leader of this institution, I am reaching out for your support one way or another because it is my job to think of ways to secure funds to get the necessary job done,” he said.
Barcinas extends the school’s appreciation to the businesses and companies that have been helping the schools.
DES extends its appreciation to Palms Resort Saipan for donating $500 to the school.
