All CNMI Public School System K-12 campuses and administrative offices will be closed every Monday until further notice, as part of emergency austerity measures triggered by a government-wide budget shortfall.
The “No School Mondays” policy began this week, suspending classes and regular operations one day each week to reduce costs. However, federally funded programs—including Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, and the Child Nutrition Program—will continue without interruption.
The move is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy to comply with the reduced fiscal year 2026 budget allocation passed by the CNMI Legislature.
As part of these measures, the CNMI State Board of Education approved reducing the required number of instructional days from 180 to 155 for the current school year. The adjustment allows PSS to implement the shortened workweek while remaining in compliance with local education mandates.
PSS officials said the decision was made to preserve essential services and minimize staff furloughs while maintaining compliance with federal requirements. The Monday closures align with a 64-hour biweekly work schedule adopted system-wide.
Grab-and-go meals will remain available on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at designated school sites.
The policy will remain in effect until further notice. PSS leadership said they will reassess the schedule if additional funding becomes available or if the fiscal situation improves.
PSS originally requested $49 million to operate its 20 campuses, supporting more than 1,000 staff and 9,000 students across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. However, the House of Representatives recently passed a $127.4 million appropriation bill that allocates just $31.7 million for education.
