Public schools said to be ready for new semester

By THE STAR STAFF

Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés gave assurances on Wednesday that the island’s public schools are ready for the start of the January school semester, after maintenance, cleaning and interagency coordination work was completed during the holiday break.

“The schools will be ready, they are ready,” Ramos Parés told reporters. “Tomorrow our teachers are already scheduled to arrive and they have the systemic agenda that includes professional development.”

The secretary noted that parents and guardians visited the schools on Friday, while students will return to classrooms next Monday for a regular school day. He said school transportation, special education services, therapists, and staff appointments are covered, although resignations or last-minute situations are being addressed.

“Everything was prepared before the holiday break,” he said. “I am very satisfied with the teamwork, not only within the department, but also with sister agencies such as the Public Buildings Authority and the Office of Management and Budget.”

Ramos Parés acknowledged that there are specific situations in some schools, mainly related to electrical issues, but affirmed that they are being addressed and that alternative plans, such as the use of generators, are in place to prevent disruptions at the start of classes.

“There are no foreseen situations in terms of anomalies that would prevent the start of this school year from being as successful as the one in August,” he added.

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón added that since last August, various government agencies, legislators, mayors, and the private sector have been involved in a school sponsorship effort to ensure that the schools are in adequate condition.

“Last school semester, 30 bilingual schools were added, and this week we will announce new improvements and programs that will begin next week,” the governor said.