PSS principals weigh schools reopening feasibility amid post-typhoon recovery struggles

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As Public School System (PSS) staff returned to work on April 30 to evaluate reopening plans, school principals expressed a mix of determination and concern regarding the feasibility of bringing students back to the classroom in the wake of the recent typhoon Sinlaku.

Kagman High School Principal Benjamin Jones Jr. anticipates reopening in two to three weeks. ​“We are looking at two, maybe three weeks, but that all depends. We are hearing that there might be another possible storm, so that’s a factor we need to consider," Jones said.

​He highlighted the logistical nightmares facing students, noting that many families are struggling without power and water, which impacts their ability to wash clothes and prepare food. Furthermore, damaged vehicles and destroyed bus shelters present significant safety and transportation hurdles.

​“We might only have three or four weeks left of school, so we’re going to focus on building our students’ grades up, not on academics per se. It’s more about trying to help them catch up,” Jones explained.

​While school staff is currently reporting to work for general debris removal, Jones noted that the school is entirely reliant on outsourced professional services for deep cleaning and mold mitigation. This includes a Community Managed Project (CMP) to sanitize the cafeteria, which had been used to shelter 80 individuals before they were moved to the Kagman Community Center on April 29.

​Dr. Ignacia Demapan, principal of Kagman Elementary School, supports reopening but strongly advocates for half-day schedules. Citing widespread power outages and the emotional toll on students, she favors a gentle transition while ensuring fifth graders still receive their promotion ceremony.

​“We are preparing for cleanup and safety so that the students may come back in the middle of May, estimated around May 13, even though we have the students come back to school without power, I am really recommending that instructional time should only be half days. I feel that is a need at this time,” Demapan said.

​Demapan emphasized the importance of closure for the older students, adding, "We will come back and finish off the year so that our fifth-grade students who need the promotion ceremony are recognized.”

Recovery efforts at Kagman Elementary were disrupted by theft. Demapan reported that intruders broke into two classrooms, shattered windows, unlatched locks, and stole personal property, including teachers' speakers and snacks.

​Despite the challenges, staffing remains relatively stable. Only eight out of 50 staff members were unable to report to work due to personal reasons. Staff are expected to work Monday through Friday, with the exception of next Monday to observe PSS austerity measures.

Marianas High School Principal Melanie Rdiall offered the most candid assessment, suggesting the academic year should potentially be canceled for non-seniors. Recognizing the ongoing crisis, she noted that academics are understandably no longer a priority for many families. However, she drew a firm line for the graduating class, guaranteeing that their 12 years of hard work will be honored.

​“Honestly, just walking through my campus today and seeing some of our students at the shelter... I feel for our kids. At the moment, we are not looking at academics as a priority. But at least for their social and emotional health, being in school and being with friends gives them some kind of normalcy,” said Rdiall.

"Based on how it’s going now and not knowing when the shelters are going to move, I personally think the school year should probably just be done. We’re still working on our seniors, though. We’re still going to have graduation. That is still going to happen; the students have invested 12 years of their lives in their education,” continued by Rdiall.

​Rdiall noted that MHS cafeterias 1 and 2 were utilized as shelters, with the Red Cross assuming management responsibilities. Authorities are currently assessing both the Tanapag and Office on Aging facilities, which require repairs before displaced residents can be moved there for long-term sheltering.

​The MHS campus also sustained significant structural damage. According to Rdiall, four classrooms require relocation, including the media productions classroom, which was deemed unsafe after its roof collapsed. Relocation plans include utilizing library space, an extra classroom in Building C, and shared cafeteria space for math teachers.

​Of the 101 staff members at Marianas High School, Rdiall reported that only two were unable to return to work.