CNMI public schools warn $31.7M appropriation would force cuts to staff, days and services

Commissioner Lawrence Camacho told the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee on Oct. 9 that the CNMI Public School System needs a substantially larger FY2026 appropriation than the $31.7 million in the bill before the legislature, saying the system is asking the legislature to fund at least $40 million and that "$31,700,000 will not cut it for PSS." Camacho made the remarks during the department's budget hearing before senators, PSS staff and dozens of public commenters.

The public school system presented enrollment and staffing numbers, a multi-scenario budget model and the consequences of smaller appropriations. The department said it serves about 8,092 students across 20 schools and 10 Head Start centers on three islands and currently staffs roughly 1,276 employees (972 local FTEs and about 304 federally funded positions). The FY2026 personnel request is $42 million and an additional $7 million was budgeted for other operating costs; PSS also identified $500,000 for capital improvements.

Why this matters: PSS leaders told senators that losing federal ARPA cushions and reverting to a $31.7 million local appropriation would force personnel reductions and operational cuts that the department says would reduce instructional time, jeopardize district accreditation and reverse recent gains in reading and math achievement. Students, principals and Board of Education members pressed the committee to preserve funding and to follow the CNMI constitutional guarantee that education receive not less than 25% of…