Embedded Files
10/27/2025 - The CNMI Public School System must begin implementing cost-cutting measures to stay within the $31.7 million budget. CNMI Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence Camacho shared that urgent message to PSS stakeholders in a memo last Friday.
Starting on November 01, 2025, PSS will transition to a 64-hour work schedule. That means there will be no school and no work on Mondays. If an “Austerity Monday” is on a legal holiday, employees will be paid for the holiday, and the austerity day will shift to the following workday. Camacho noted that there could be adjustments to the schedule if a revised budget is signed into law.
“These measures were not implemented on October 1, at the start of FY 2026, under the reduced $31.7 million budget. PSS has nearly exhausted all options available to preserve its workforce and essential services,” Camacho explained.
However, Camacho outlined austerity exceptions for some federally funded programs. He said austerity measures are “temporarily delayed until further clarification” from federal grantors. This exception includes Head Start/Early Head Start, Early Childhood - Special Education Teachers, Teacher Aides, and Related Service Providers, and the Early Intervention program.
The Child Nutrition Program will also continue to operate on an 80-hour schedule and provide Grab and Go Meals on austerity days. The meal service is expected to take place on Austerity Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be distributed together.
Camacho said a revised school year calendar will be submitted to the Board of Education for approval next week, and once approved, it will be shared with the public.
All PSS employees will receive a contract addendum for the austerity measures that detail the 64-hour work schedule. Those who do not sign the addendum by October 31, 2025, will not be able to report to work until it is signed and submitted to the Human Resources Office.
Camacho concluded, “I extend my sincere gratitude for your continued cooperation, understanding, and resilience as we work through this difficult fiscal period together.”
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Marianas Press for the complete report.
Report by Thomas Manglona II
Report abuse