CNMI PSS Suspends Off-Island Travel Effective August 19

CNMI Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho sent the following memo to all Public School System Employees:

"The Public School System (PSS), the state education agency for preschool, elementary, and secondary education in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), is suspending off-island travel as a cost-saving initiative.

Effective August 19, 2025, marking the start of School Year 2025-2026, all official travel outside the CNMI for PSS personnel is hereby suspended until further notice.

This suspension, issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Education under the constitutional authority vested by the CNMI Board of Education, is part of broader efforts to optimize resources and ensure the efficient use of funds within the PSS.

The Office of the Commissioner of Education remains committed to practicing fiscal responsibility and austerity. With the continued support and guidance of the CNMI Board of Education, this directive further strengthens and reaffirms PSS's dedication to ensuring that public funds are used prudently and that no unnecessary, excessive, or unconscionable expenses are incurred.

All personnel, departments, programs, and schools are expected to comply with this directive.

Additional procedures and implementation guidelines will be shared in a forthcoming communication.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we collectively work to preserve resources and prioritize student learning."