CNMI Board of Education in turmoil, leaving students, teachers, and families in uncertainty

The CNMI Board of Education failed to meet quorum last Oct. 28 and failed to act on a major agenda item to address the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget and implementation plan, which includes Austerity Mondays set to start in November.

“It leaves PSS currently at the status quo, and that is operating off of the $31-million budget that was signed into law, and now we just have to wait and see until we are able to make quorum,” BOE chair Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong said in an interview with Marianas Press.

Marianas Press asked how the BOE could not meet quorum during a critical time. He said, “There is discord on the board right now…I have stressed to members that the budget is absolutely critical as it impacts our students, families, teachers, and other employees.”

Ogumoro-Uludong said now the BOE needs to recalibrate and sit down with the commissioner of Education to discuss next steps. “We are going to need to figure something out this week.”

Present at the meeting were voting members Ogumoro-Uludong, Anthony Barcinas, and Maisie Tenorio. Other voting members, Antonio Borja and Andrew Orsini, are currently off-island. The BOE needs at least four voting members present to reach a quorum. Teacher representative Dr. Dora Miura and non-public school representative John Blanco were also present, but are considered non-voting members.

If the meeting were to happen, the BOE planned to allow the COE to implement a less-than-180-day school calendar and reduced working hours.

“My message to our students, teachers, staff, and community stakeholders is: hang tight. The board, at least some of us on the board, recognize that this is a very critical time right now, and it appears some are unavailable to address this critical matter. So, I am hoping we can figure a way past that to, again, address the budget,” Ogumoro-Uludong said.

Board member Borja told Marianas Press in a statement, “I am currently out of state on official travel approved by the chairman under the CNMI State Board of Education. That said, I remain fully committed to my fiduciary duties to the students and families of the CNMI. The budget item on today’s agenda, along with the other matters referenced by the Chairman, was originally scheduled for discussion during a special board meeting that was supposed to happen last Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025—prior to my departure from the CNMI. However, that meeting was canceled by the chairman himself. Unfortunately, Public Law 22-05 prohibits board members from participating or voting in meetings while physically outside of the CNMI. Even if I were to join virtually, my attendance would not count toward quorum, and doing so would place me in direct violation of the law.”

Board member Tenorio also commented on the issue. She told Marianas Press, “Discord did not prevent a quorum today. A quorum was not achieved today because the meeting was scheduled despite information that two voting members would not be present. A quorum was wholly achievable last week. A special BOE meeting was called by myself, vice chair Barcinas, secretary/treasurer Borja, and member Orsini. All voting members were on Saipan (or planned to be). However, that meeting was canceled by chair Ogumoro-Uludong, who personally prevented the public notice from being published. The PSS budget is an absolute priority. To suggest or imply that ‘some of us’ are more dedicated to that is irresponsible in this time of uncertainty. I applaud the work of Dr. Camacho and his team. They have been advocating fiercely for a workable budget. I firmly believe in their expertise and commitment to our students.”

Board member Orsini declined to comment.

In a separate interview, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Camacho said he intended to give an update to the board about the changing budget landscape and progress made in talks with lawmakers. Camacho said he technically needs the board’s approval for the reduced school days.

“At this time, I am actually even thinking of pushing that decision to begin austerity next Monday and give it another pay period for the board and for the collaboration we are making headway with the legislature,” he said.

Austerity implementation could be delayed until Nov. 17.

A final revised budget has yet to be disclosed. And a delay would allow the board to meet and for more concrete numbers to be established.