Acting Commissioner Jacquilene Che told Rotary Club members Tuesday that the CNMI public school system is facing its most severe fiscal pressures in three decades, with storm‑damaged campuses, staffing shortages, and shrinking federal aid straining daily operations.
Che previously served as the Public School System federal programs officer before being appointed acting commissioner in June 2026.
Che said PSS opened all 20 public schools on Aug. 18 even as many campuses remained in disrepair, with broken roofs, damaged windows, and facilities still awaiting FEMA support. Kagman Elementary and Chacha Oceanview only recently returned to full‑day schedules after weeks of dual sessions that split students into morning and afternoon shifts.
She said the system’s financial instability deepened after the expiration of American Rescue Plan Act funding, leaving PSS with budget deficits and fewer resources to sustain operations. Since January, PSS has lost 10% of its workforce — including one‑third of its classroom teachers — prompting the reassignment of central office staff with teaching backgrounds back into schools.
Che said she intends to restore a full five‑day instructional week by early October, replacing Monday closures with federally funded tutoring, counseling, meals, and wellness programming. She also highlighted rising student trauma tied to economic hardship, domestic stress, and years of disruptions from Typhoon Yutu, COVID‑19, and austerity measures.
PSS is launching trauma‑informed wellness hubs to support students facing depression, anxiety, and food insecurity.
Che asked Rotarians to help repair damaged school bus stops across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, noting that many are unsafe and exposed to heavy rain and heat. She said the Department of Public Works lacks sufficient funding to address the issue.
Despite the challenges, Che said she remains hopeful. “Our students are resilient, they are capable, and they deserve nothing less than our best,” she said.
