As classes start today, government highlights achievements

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón

By THE STAR STAFF

On the eve of the second semester, which is scheduled to begin today, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés, Deputy Education Secretary Sheykirisabel Cucuta González, Public Buildings Authority Director Félix Lassalle Toro and Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano on Sunday outlined key achievements from their first year in office and unveiled new initiatives aimed at strengthening the island’s public education system.

González Colón said three of the 856 schools will be operating with power generators. Officials said they are working on a public policy to execute the law that bans cellphones in classrooms and urged parents not to send students showing flu symptoms to school.

The public school system has 23,000 teachers and 120 substitute teachers. There are 234,000 students, fewer than last year.

The officials highlighted that the Department of Education closed the year with 99% compliance under the Comprehensive Corrective Action Plan, or CCAP, signaling a structural transformation in governance, internal controls and responsible management of federal funds. That milestone, they said, positions Puerto Rico just steps away from full compliance and accelerates the process of removing federal oversight, which could save the island an estimated $28 million annually.

“These results show that we are managing public resources with seriousness, agility and full transparency,” González Colón said. “Our commitment is to ensure every dollar translates into better services, better schools, and greater opportunities for our students. Puerto Rico is closer than ever to regaining full control of its federal funds and reinvesting those resources directly into school communities.”

Aligned with the administration’s policy platform, the governor emphasized progress in bilingual education, STEM programs, technical and vocational training, emotional health, family engagement, and strategic planning -- pillars designed to prepare students for an increasingly competitive and dynamic world.

* Bilingual Education: Thirty new schools joined the Bilingual Education Program, bringing the total to 56 campuses with progressive immersion models. Teacher recertification efforts, summer English immersion programs, and evaluations for additional schools are underway, with plans to expand in August of this year.

* STEM Development: The creation of 21 specialized schools through innovative programs such as MATECS-IA and Next Generation of Video Gamer, along with microcredential training for hundreds of teachers, aims to foster critical thinking and prepare students for high-demand careers in technology and science.

* Technical and Vocational Education: Seven new Artistic and Entrepreneurial Development Schools will launch updated curricula in August of this year. A new occupational program, backed by an investment of over $8.5 million, will allow students to acquire technical skills starting in high school.

* Industry Partnerships: Strengthened collaborations with universities, municipal consortia, and private-sector leaders in manufacturing, aerospace, technology, and public safety will expand internships, work-based learning, and dual enrollment programs, creating pathways to certifications, associate degrees and high-demand jobs.

* Emotional Health: A mandatory Emotional Health course is now a graduation requirement, supported by teacher training and the launch of the Family Academy, which already reaches 100% of public schools.

* Transparency and Fiscal Efficiency: For the first time, Puerto Rico published per-pupil spending data, giving citizens clear insight into how educational resources are allocated. The initiative complements the implementation of student-based budgeting, aligning resources with enrollment and school-specific needs.

“Our focus is on delivering a public education system that is relevant, humane, and aligned with the realities of our students,” said Ramos Parés, the education secretary. “Strengthening English, science, technology, technical education, and emotional health is essential for academic success and Puerto Rico’s future.”