The unexpected shut down occurred due to austerity measures and lack of federal funding, according to program director James Feger.
“The money’s just gone,” he told Marianas Variety. “I hope it’s not for good.”
Funding was used after-school staff and necessary utilities.
A sign posted at the gym’s main entrance read, ‘Safe Haven Program will be closed, starting 2/5/11 (Saturday) until further notice.’ Whether the shut down is permanent or not remains unclear.
Feger recalled it temporarily closing around 2005 and 2006. He was responsible for the grant that started the program in 2002.
Feger – along with members of the Marianas Officials, Educators, Coaches and Counselors Association – form the staff that supervises the gym after school. Joining him were administrative assistant Tita Gabrido, Patty Cruz, Ray Deleon Guerrero, and Dominic Fitial.
The program – focused primarily on students – opened Mondays to Thursdays from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m. Public and private school students and college attendees were eligible to use the facility. Students under the age of 18 must sign a waiver form and present proper identification.
“Each student can bring a friend, parent, or anyone outside of school,” said Feger.
Literally hundreds of record sheets filled Feger’s office from the past years. On a regular afternoon, up to 120 individuals fill the gym to socialize, exercise, and play sports. Some come to do homework and projects. The program, which follows school rules, welcomes government and military personnel.
“This keeps the students off the streets and gives them positive social time,” he noted.
Students who were notified last week were dissatisfied with the outcome.
“I think it’s really bad. The gym’s a good place for students to relax. It’s the only area to play basketball in. I’ve been coming here for about five years. I hope they put it back up again,” said Northern Marianas College student Kris Alegre.
“It’s horrible. It’s the only place we go to,” added MHS student Joseph Jucutan.
The gym, used by MHS students and faculty during school hours, is still open for interscholastic sports competitions.
