Teachers Assn. monitoring impact of $1.2 billion budget cut

As a new school year is set to begin this Thursday, the government has insisted that the expiration of non‑recurring federal funds will not affect hiring or essential services at the start of the school year, but the Puerto Rico Teachers Association says on-the-ground verification is indispensable.

By THE STAR STAFF

Leaders of the Puerto Rico Teachers Association (AMPR by its initials in Spanish) announced Monday they will closely monitor the impact of an estimated $1.2 billion reduction in the island Education Department’s consolidated budget.

As a new school year is slated to start this Thursday, the government has insisted that the expiration of non‑recurring federal funds will not affect hiring or essential services at the start of the school year, but the organization says on-the-ground verification is indispensable.

AMPR President Víctor M. Bonilla Sánchez noted that the union was among the first to warn in March 2025 about the system’s vulnerability stemming from its heavy reliance on temporary federal funds.

“Today, administrative decisions and reported situations make it essential to confirm whether those concerns are beginning to materialize, despite the government’s assurances,” he said.

The union will be checking whether each school has appointed teachers, functioning Special Education services, transportation, maintenance, cleaning, security and adequate conditions from day one.

Bonilla emphasized that a successful school opening requires more than just unlocked doors.

“We can talk about success when schools have their teachers appointed, sufficient support staff, available materials, safe facilities, and services operating to guarantee quality teaching and learning.”

AMPR Vice President Raúl González Colón added that the organization will also assess whether budget cuts and administrative adjustments are adversely affecting teachers’ working conditions and salaries. He warned against continuing to assign social workers, counselors, librarians or other specialized professionals to cover vacant teaching positions.

As in previous years, AMPR coordinators have been deployed across all educational regions to inspect schools and compare official information with the realities educators face. So far, 466 schools -- about 54% of campuses -- have been visited. Among the most concerning issues are electrical supply and water storage. According to the AMPR’s census, among the schools visited, only 38.8% have generators, while 70% have fans. Some 53% have water cisterns, while 23% have none and 24% have cisterns that do not function.

“For us, it is essential that schools have adequate ventilation, functional electrical systems, cisterns, generators, and the necessary conditions to protect the health and safety of teachers and students amid the extreme heat we are experiencing,” González Colón said.

The union leadership reiterated that advancing the teaching career remains a top priority. Although some $90 million has been identified to address the long-standing debt owed to thousands of teachers, the funds remain stalled at the Office of Management and Budget. Noting that all calculations have already been completed, the AMPR said it will continue pressing for the administrative process to be completed so payments finally reach educators who have waited more than a decade.

Bonilla Sánchez said the matter would be the first item on the agenda during a meeting scheduled for Monday afternoon with Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés. The union also communicated with the Financial Oversight and Management Board requesting expedited attention to facilitate the release of the funds.