Citing widespread storm damage and uneven campus readiness across the three islands, the CNMI Public School System announced Monday that schools will not reopen for the remainder of School Year 2025–2026.
PSS officials said the decision followed a review of updated recovery reports and campus assessments from Saipan, Tinian and Rota. While crews have made progress in debris consolidation, deep cleaning, inventory documentation, and operational recovery, many campuses remain unable to safely reopen.
According to PSS, several schools continue to face major challenges, including debris piles awaiting removal, classrooms and cafeterias requiring repairs, mold remediation that has not yet begun, and inconsistent electricity and running water. Some campuses are still serving as community shelters.
Although a small number of schools reported they could potentially reopen sooner, PSS leaders said a systemwide approach was necessary to ensure fairness and safety for all students and staff.
“We understand this news may be disappointing,” the agency said, noting that the safety and well‑being of students, employees, and families remain the top priority.
Grab‑and‑Go breakfast and lunch services will continue Monday through Friday on all three islands.
Beginning Wednesday, May 13, supplemental and enrichment learning packets for elementary and middle school students will be distributed at select sites: Tanapag Middle School, Garapan Elementary, Oleai Elementary, Kagman Elementary, Dandan Middle, Francisco M. Sablan Middle, Tinian Elementary, Tinian Middle and Tinian High, Sinapalo Elementary, and Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School. Most of these locations also serve as meal distribution sites.
PSS is also planning summer school programs, with priority given to at‑risk students and those needing additional academic support.
Early Intervention and Early Head Start programs will continue services under their existing calendar beginning Monday, May 18. In‑person Early Head Start services will operate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dandan, Susupe and Tanapag sites. Chalan Kanoa and Kagman Early Head Start centers are scheduled to resume in‑class services on June 8. Head Start programs will continue under modified and phased operations, with families to receive direct updates from program staff.
Graduation and promotion ceremonies will proceed as scheduled under the Board of Education‑approved calendar, with ceremony locations to be announced later this week.
PSS encouraged families to contact their school administrators with questions as recovery efforts continue.
“Together, we will continue moving forward one step at a time,” the agency said.
