(PSS) — Thousands of students returned to CNMI public schools on Tuesday, marking the start of the 2025–2026 school year amid a looming financial crisis for the Public School System.”
As the clock struck 7 a.m., parents sent their children off to 20 public elementary, middle, and high school campuses, where teachers and staff warmly greeted them. Despite a brief disruption caused by a bomb threat affecting Saipan public high schools, the reopening proceeded smoothly, reflecting the community’s commitment to education and student safety, which allowed classes to resume quickly.
“We are focused on providing the best learning experience for our students, our largest beneficiaries of public funds,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho. He commended the dedication of teachers, staff, and administrators for ensuring that schools were prepared to face the challenges ahead.
“Our teachers, staff, and administrators have demonstrated commendable dedication, ensuring that our schools are ready for the challenges ahead,” Camacho added.
Looming
However, the joy of reopening is tempered by a looming fiscal crisis. The House of Representatives has proposed $40 million in funding for PSS for Fiscal Year 2026, contingent upon the realization of a loan from the Marianas Public Land Trust. Should this funding not materialize, the budget could fall to approximately $33 million, below the 25% constitutional mandate for PSS funding from the general fund. This represents the most significant challenge PSS has faced in nearly 40 years.
Despite these financial uncertainties, Camacho, along with over 1,500 educators and staff, said they remain committed to providing quality education. Schools on Rota, Tinian, and Saipan continue to prioritize the educational needs of their students, he added.
As of Tuesday, enrollment figures reached 9,000, with additional late registrations expected for both returning and new students.
Safety concerns
Saipan public high schools experienced a brief interruption earlier in the day due to a bomb threat. However, the newly revived School Resource Officer program, in partnership with the Department of Public Safety, ensured safety and order during the mandatory evacuation.
“Our SRO performed effectively. Our school’s evacuation and safety plan was ready, and DPS assisted in safely redirecting students outside the campus,” said Marianas High School Principal Melanie Rdiall.
By 8:37 a.m., normal operations resumed at all public high schools on Saipan. The first-period bell schedule begins at 9 a.m. for Saipan high schools, 8:15 a.m. for Rota’s Dr. Rita H. Inos High School, and 8 a.m. for Tinian High School. Middle schools start at 8:30 a.m. in Saipan, 8:15 a.m. in Rota, and 8 a.m. in Tinian. All nine elementary schools across the islands commenced classes at 7:30 a.m.
“When students finally arrived on campus, we extended breakfast time by an extra 30 minutes and communicated through the intercom,” Principal Rdiall said. “Students then proceeded to their first period in an orderly fashion.”
Seamless
Marianas High School reported an enrollment of 1,585 students, a number expected to rise due to transfers from off-island and private schools. Rota’s Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior and Senior High School also experienced a seamless reopening, beginning with a motorcade for the senior Class of 2025-2026 around Songsong village, followed by a kickoff program at the RHI campus.
Principal Annette A. Calvo welcomed incoming students and urged them to guide younger peers. She also expressed gratitude to her 31 teaching and non-teaching staff for preparing the campus.
“Welcome back to our RHI campus. To our incoming students, please guide your younger peers, and to our teachers and staff, thank you for preparing the campus,” Principal Calvo said.
Saipan Southern High School Vice Principal Arisa Sakai reported an increase in enrollment to 673 students, up from 660 last year. “We greeted our students, especially the incoming ninth graders, at the front as they arrived on their first day. Our SSHS team was organized in welcoming back our students, and we conducted a walk around the classrooms during the first period,” she said.
Newly assigned Principal Derwin Johnson of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School said the school community greeted new and returning students with excitement.
“Our school day was smooth with no significant hurdles, leading to a seamless transition,” Johnson noted, praising his 45 teachers and staff. Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School reported an enrollment of 270 students, with ongoing registration expected to increase this number.
Chacha Ocean View Middle School also reported a smooth reopening, with parents accompanying their children and school personnel assisting new students in finalizing schedules.
“Our entire staff was prepared, from greeting and supervising students in the front-loading area to helping finalize their schedules. Overall, we did our best to receive our students,” said Principal Carla Sablan. Enrollment increased to 254 students, compared to 245 last year, with further growth expected.
Tinian Elementary School held a “red carpet” ceremony to introduce teachers and staff to students, followed by a flag ceremony at 8 a.m.
“The students were very happy and excited to see their classmates and teachers back in school,” said Vice Principal April Manglona. Enrollment stood at 136, with additional students anticipated in the coming days.
Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School children began classes Tuesday with a morning energizer and activity, as nearly 9,000 public elementary, middle, and high school students returned to schools across Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and Tanapag Middle School Principal Hilda Rios welcome students as they step off a school bus.
Principal Annette A. Calvo addresses her Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior and Senior High School students and staff on the first day of the new school year.
Tinian Elementary School students sing the national anthem in their school cafeteria.
PSS Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline Che and Sinapalo Elementary School Principal Daisy Quitugua greet students as they arrive on campus.
At a bus stop in Songsong, Board of Education Vice Chairman Anthony Dela Cruz Barcinas, center, poses for a photo with personnel from the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the Commonwealth Health Care Corporation-Systems of Care Program on the first day of classes on Rota.
Sinapalo Elementary School Principal Daisy Quitugua with returning students.
GTC Elementary School Principal Derwin Johnson and State Infrastructure Technology Director Jesse Tenorio welcome students back to campus.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho talks with Koblerville Elementary School students on their first day of school.
