at giving the CNMI-Public School System the needed federal government support in providing free yet quality public education, a media release stated.
“My office is working closely with the office of the education commissioner on various federal programs that we both believe will further better the services provided by the CNMI Public School System,” Sablan told PSS Central Office personnel, confirming on-going discussions with the U.S. Department of Education for more Title I funding.
Several of PSS programs are federally mandated and tapping Title I or additional federal monies through the U.S. Department of Education are already being explored with Sablan in direct discussion with Assistant Education Secretary Gabriella Gomez.
“Exploring for more of Title I for PSS is another on going effort that my office is working on with the assistant education secretary,” said Sablan.
By the end of 2009 record showed that the PSS received an estimated of over $60 million in federal funds including the recently awarded State Fiscal Stabilization Fund.
The multimillion-dollar SFSF money formed part of the Obama White House’s stimulus plan or the $100 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The $28 million SFSF money awarded to PSS last year is the largest single federal funding awarded for public education
“Credit goes out to PSS Central Office personnel, led by Dr. Rita Sablan. PSS is known already in Washington, D.C. and your continued cooperation and unity is already admirable,” the congressman told PSS officials.
Education Commissioner Sablan noted that the continued support of the congressman’s office has translated to the better delivery and improvement of PSS programs and services, including student performance.
Last year’s student performance on SAT 10 and SBA — programs that are receiving federal assistance — topped that of other school districts in the rest of the U.S. territories.
The PSS Highly qualified Teacher mandate, through the Praxis I and II program, continues to gain support, as well.
PSS has set a July 31, 2011 deadline for all teachers and teacher applicants.
Congressman Sablan joined Education Commissioner Sablan, Associate Commissioner for Curriculum and Instruction Jackie Quitugua and federal programs officer Jack Diaz in a video teleconference with officials and administrators of Rota Junior High School, Sinapalo Elementary School and Rota High School.
During the video conference, the congressman announced that his office has secured a huge volume of elementary and high school books and other reading/resource materials from the U.S. Congress and his office has started shipping them to all of the CNMI’s 20 public schools.
Garapan Elementary School and Rota High School were the first to receive the books.
“We got the books already and on behalf of our students, we are grateful of your effort,” Rota High School principal Sharlene Manglona said during the video-teleconference.
“He has been very supportive on all of our efforts,” Garapan Elementary School principal Yvonne R. Pangelinan said.
