The CNMI Public School System will transition to a reduced austerity schedule beginning in January following a budget increase signed into law by Governor David M. Apatang, according to a memorandum released by Commissioner of Education Lawrence F. Camacho.
On December 23, Governor Apatang signed the Revised Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act into law, increasing PSS funding from $31.7 million to $36.2 million. However, the revised budget remains $1.5 million short of the Governor’s proposal and $13 million short of PSS’s initial FY 2026 proposed budget submission.
In signing the revised budget, Governor Apatang urged the Legislature to act on House Bill 24-70 to increase funding to PSS by $4.9 million, which would provide a consolidated funding level of $41.1 million.
The funding increase allows PSS to reduce the severity of austerity measures. Effective Pay Period No. 3 or beginning January 11, 2026, PSS will transition to a 72-hour work schedule. Under this schedule, an Austerity Monday will occur every non-payday week.
Examples of how the schedule will be observed include January 12, 2026, as an Austerity Monday with no school; January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday with school resuming Tuesday, January 20, 2026; January 26, 2026, as an Austerity Monday with no school; and February 2, 2026, as a regular school day.
The alternating schedule will continue through the rest of the school year. A revised SY 2025-2026 K-12 Calendar will be forthcoming.
Commissioner Camacho expressed hope that leaders will continue to identify solutions to further increase the PSS budget, noting that if additional funding is appropriated, operations will be reassessed with the goal of further reducing austerity measures.
In the meantime, the PSS Federal Programs Office, in collaboration with school leaders, is exploring opportunities to offer student support and academic enrichment programs at school sites on Austerity Mondays to provide students with additional learning opportunities.
Camacho stated that he, along with the Board of Education and the PSS Leadership Team, continues to advocate on behalf of students, educators, and staff while working collaboratively with leaders to secure the best possible outcome for the school system.
The Commissioner asked stakeholders to remain patient, flexible, and supportive during the transition, acknowledging the sacrifices made and the continued efforts in service to students and the community.
