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Camacho Orders First Government-Wide Reclassification in 17 Years |
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July 1, 2008
Governor Felix P. Camacho has ordered the reclassification of government-wide pay.
A request for proposals will be released tomorrow for the Government-wide Position Classification Compensation and Benefits Study. The last classification was done in 1991.
"Government employees have been held to an old standard of compensation for too long," Governor Camacho said. "These hard working men and women deserve benefits and pay consistent with the dedication they give to improving our island. We need to sustain a competitive pay scale to retain and attract the best and brightest workers to serve our people."
The 1991 classification, known as the Hay Study, was conducted in September of that year. The standards of compensation and benefits from that study were enacted the following year and have remained for the past 16 years.
The deadline for submission of proposals will be July 31, 2008. The study itself may take as long as six months to complete. The study was authorized by Public Law 29-52, under Section 13.
Compensation and benefits studies have been conducted, affecting only certain groups of government employees such as teachers and nurses since the Hay Study. The classification study ordered by the Governor will affect all government employees.
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GOVERNOR CAMACHO PRESENTS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE |
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Announcement of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in Guam made at National Conference
June 28, 2008
(Washington DC) Governor Felix P. Camacho today was the keynote speaker at the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives National Conference. Governor Camacho was invited to speak at the two-day event which featured President George W. Bush and attended by Cabinet and public and private sector leaders at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The theme of the conference was "Innovations in Effective Compassion".
"Government is most effective in addressing human need," said Governor Camacho. "When it welcomes every effective partner—faith-based and secular, large and small, when it taps into and multiplies the ingenuity of social entrepreneurs, when it harnesses the passion of dedicated volunteers and the compassion of neighbors serving neighbors."
Governor Camacho spoke on the success of President Bush's Faith Based and Community Initiative, that since launched seven years ago had matched nearly 90,000 children of prisoners with caring mentors, assisted in reducing ex-offenders return to prison at rates less than half the national average and facilitated major reductions in the number of homeless veterans, and chronic homelessness overall.
"This demonstrates what can occur when dedicated nonprofit organizations are given a central role in National efforts to solve the great human needs of our day," said Governor Camacho.
Governor Camacho also announced the establishment of a Faith-Based and Community Initiative in Guam, the 35th Governor to do so since 2001.
"As with the Federal Initiative, it will be focus first and foremost on solving some of the most pressing issues facing the people of Guam and Micronesia," said Governor Camacho. "As President Bush describes, it will be a "determined attack on need."
Governor Camacho was invited to speak at the National Conference after meeting with Director of the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives Jay Hein during a visit to Washington DC this past May.
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen! Hope is confident expectancy. All of you have the ability to do whatever you need to do. In faith and hope, you can overcome every trial and accomplish things things you never thought possible. Don't shirk in fear when opportunities or even obstacles come your way. With an attitude of faith, and expectancy you can do great things and bless others with your work. You have a servants heart that looks for ways to meet other peoples needs. You are transforming lives from inside-out as you touch the hearts and minds of those in need. And so 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Thank you and God Bless America," said Governor Camacho.
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Acting Governor Cruz Reassures U.S. DOE |
June 27, 2008 Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Education Risk Management Service Director Philip Maestri requesting for the prompt review and processing of the Guam Public School System's consolidated grant application. Earlier this month, U.S. DOE informed Governor Felix Camacho and the public school system that there could be a possible suspension of the release of Fiscal Year 2008 consolidated grants to GPSS. Maestri cited numerous changes in GPSS leadership within the span of three months contribute to its unstable state. In his letter, Acting Governor Cruz reiterated Governor Camacho's willingness to appoint the next superintendent and his commitment to keep the appointee for the remainder of his gubernatorial term. The Acting Governor also acknowledged U.S. DOE's concerns and reassured Maestri efforts are currently ongoing to address the need for program accountability and stable leadership. "The withholding or delay of federal funding will have an enormous impact to the children who attend our public school system," said Acting Governor Cruz. "I believe stable and consistent leadership will help address many of U.S. DOE's concerns and ensure these funds are not jeopardized." The letter referred to efforts of the Guam Legislature to address the matter with two bills before lawmakers that seek to reorganize the Guam Education Policy Board and create charter schools for the island. The government is currently assisting GPSS with shortfalls that may arise should there be a delay in funding from U.S. DOE. Federal funding will be used for the operations of the school system for the year 2008-2009, which is scheduled to begin on August 12, 2008. "We've shared our position with U.S. DOE and we hope they look favorably on our request to review and process our grant application expeditiously, but we must continue to do what we can to ensure our schools are prepared for the next school year." |
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Governor takes over GPSS Maintenance and CIP Division |
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Acting Superintendent asks for intervention to get schools open
June 24, 2008
GPSS Acting Superintendant Wilfred Aflague today admitted that the school system will not be able to prepare schools for the next school year and asked Governor Felix P. Camacho to take over the maintenance division of the school system and all procurement matters related to school repairs.
Governor Camacho concurred with Aflague's request, which was transmitted late this afternoon, and approved a "Certificate of Emergency for Procurement and Personnel Assignment" for GPSS. At Aflague's request, the Governor agreed to transfer facility, maintenance and CIP personnel to the Department of Public Works. He also approved emergency procurement to get the schools open in time for the new school year.
Immediately after approving the Certificate of Emergency, the Governor called DPW Director Larry Perez and instructed him to use all necessary resources to get schools ready for the new school year.
"The bottom line is that the school system has fallen apart. It has crumbled and imploded," Governor Camacho said. "The Lieutenant Governor and I have a responsibility to handle this operational issue, which has gotten out of hand. The Superintendent has declared a State of Emergency and we have responded."
In his request to the Governor, Aflague noted the high-turn over of critical management positions within GPSS, including Tuesday's resignation of the Acting Facilities Manager.
"Based on the progress rate of school repairs thus far I have little confidence that all citations issued by the AG's Task Force can be completed before the opening of the new school year scheduled for August 12, 2008," Aflague wrote to the Governor. "It appears that unless GPSS receives intervention from the Governor of Guam it will not be able to meet its mission come August 12, 2008."
The declaration from GPSS states "the Guam Public School System is in a state of emergency jeopardizing the health and safety of students." |
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USDA Official Visits Guam, Presents Grant for Cultural Development |
Governor Camacho and Lorraine Shin encourage residents to inquire about several affordable housing programs June 23, 2008  Lorraine Shin, Hawaii State Director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, presented a $25,000 grant to Governor Felix P. Camacho this morning following a meeting between the two leaders. The grant will be used to conduct a preliminary architectural and engineering study for the expansion of the Chamorro Village. "We are grateful to USDA and excited to start the expansion project at Chamorro Village so we can encourage more cultural activities and small business growth among our people," Governor Camacho said. "This is a $25,000 check to the Department of Chamorro Affairs to help your community expand its cultural facilities," Ms. Shin said. Sylvia Flores, Acting President for the Department of Chamorro Affairs, said the architectural and engineering study will look at the current footprint of the Chamorro Village. The results of the study will be used to determine how to expand the Chamorro Village, including possible plans for a three-storey building to house the Department of Chamorro Affairs, the Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency and a gallery. Affordable Housing
Governor Camacho and Ms. Shin also discussed the availability of several housing and home-repair programs, which help Guam's elderly residents and low to very-low income families. The USDA Section 504 grant successfully has assisted 17 elderly residents to make home repairs. The loan leverage program partnership between USDA and the Guam Housing Corporation, also known as the Governor's Building Dreams program, has helped 31 families achieve the dream of homeownership. These and other programs through USDA are available to residents who qualify. |
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Media Advisory – 06/22/08 |
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Lorraine Shin, Hawaii State Director for U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, will present a grant to Governor Felix P. Camacho tomorrow, June 23, 2008. The grant will help to start a project to expand cultural facilities and help increase the number of local small businesses. More information on this project will be available during this presentation, which will be held in the Governor's Conference Room at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 23.
Ms. Shin is visiting Guam and meeting with Governor Camacho to discuss affordable housing opportunities for the people of our island.
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U.S. DOE Threatens to Suspend GPSS Funds; Governor Renews Call for Change at GPSS |
June 18, 2008 Governor Felix P. Camacho is renewing his call for direct management control of the Guam Public School System following a letter from the U.S. Department of Education today informing the Governor and the public school system about the possible suspension of the release of the Fiscal Year 2008 consolidated grants to GPSS. U.S. DOE's concerns are due to recent events at GPSS and the current administrative instability. "As I warned in my State of the Island Address in April, there must be a change to the composition of the school board, a restoration of Executive Branch authority over GPSS and the reinstatement of the Governor's authority to appoint the Superintendent," Governor Camacho said. "We must change the way GPSS operates, otherwise this government will jeopardize millions in funding and students will suffer for it." U.S. DOE Risk Management Service Director Philip A. Maestri, in his letter to the Governor, specifically cited the termination of former Superintendent Luis Reyes, the appointment "and subsequent immediate resignation" of Superintendent Giovanni Sgambelluri and the designation of two Interim Superintendents for GPSS, all within the span of three months. "The apparent volatility of the GPSS management leadership raises significant concerns about the organization's ability to continue to improve its administration of Federal education grants, to plan for the allowable and effective use of Federal funds, and to implement Federally-funded programs and projects in accordance with all applicable Federal requirements," Maestri stated in his letter. In addition to the instability of GPSS leadership, U.S. DOE also is concerned with the pending decision to delay the opening of public schools and the lack of a list of viable reform programs schools may implement at the start of the 2008-2009 school year. Maestri stated the government of Guam "must satisfactorily demonstrate its compliance with program requirements as well as its administrative capacity by June 27, 2008, so that we may make timely decisions on the issuance of FY 2008 grants to GPSS." Governor Camacho immediately called Speaker Judith Won Pat after receiving the letter, provided her a copy and discussed the importance of the Executive Branch and the Legislature working cooperatively to resolve this issue, which continues to plague GPSS. "We are working with Speaker Won Pat to address this issue and to pass legislation that will demonstrate to U.S. DOE our commitment to fixing the problems at GPSS once and for all," Governor Camacho said. "I call on all senators, parents, students and teachers to support the changes we are proposing that will restore stability and accountability to the leadership of GPSS. Our actions will determine the fate of millions in federal funding and should be focused on what is in the best interests of students." Speaker Won Pat will be holding a public hearing on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at 2 p.m. for Bill No. 293, which proposes the creation of a hybrid school board and the reinstatement of the Governor's authority to appoint the Superintendent. Later that afternoon, Speaker Won Pat will hear Bill No. 248, which proposes charter schools. The Governor has endorsed both measures. "The current way GPSS is functioning has failed," Governor Camacho said. "We cannot allow GPSS to continue operating the way it is now. Our schoolchildren are too important and we must change things to give students a better education and learning environment, so they can achieve their God-given potential." |
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Leaders Focus on Student Performance, Building a Workforce |
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Camacho, Won Pat and Sgambelluri gather with nation's governors in North Carolina for Governors Education Symposium
June 13, 2008
(North Carolina) Governor Felix P. Camacho joined the nation's governors in calling for a greater focus on growing workforce capacity by promoting a college education and measuring student performance.
Governor Camacho is in North Carolina with Speaker Judith Won Pat and public schools Superintendent Giovanni Sgambelluri for the annual Governors Education Symposium, a joint initiative by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy.
The Governors Education Symposium brings the nation's governors together to engage in candid dialogue about improving education in the United States. Throughout the three-day symposium, governors explored strategies and policies from around the country and globe for developing a world-class education system for all American students.
"The educational performance of our students today will determine our economic competitiveness in the future," said Governor Camacho "Governors all across the country are working to ensure their students are internationally competitive with those from top-performing countries. Our goal is for students from Guam to rank at the top. A focus on student performance with a mission to prepare Guam's schoolchildren for the careers of the future will help us to reach that goal."
"How U.S. student achievement compares internationally is alarming," said former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt of the Hunt Institute. "If we are going to change our international standing and improve the quality of education, it has to start with high, rigorous standards."
Governors share successes and challenges in their states and discussed breadth of challenges in making American public education globally competitive, including:
Effectively Measuring U.S. Student Performance
High, rigorous standards are the foundation of a strong education system. Content standards specify the knowledge and skills that students need at each grade level. These standards must be supported by an aligned and clearly articulated system of curriculum, assessments, teacher preparation and professional development, textbook selection and appropriate support for students.
Improving the Quality of the Teacher Workforce
Research suggests that quality teaching is the single most important school-based factor in determining student achievement. School systems from top-performing nations share three common characteristics: improving the quality of the teaching force; providing support to teachers; and building structures to ensure that schools deliver high-quality instruction to every child. With nearly half of all new teachers in the United States leaving within the first five years on the job, teacher retention is a critical component of solving teacher shortage problems. Working conditions play a large part in teachers' decisions to remain in a school.
Increasing College Graduation Rates and Workforce Capacity
Amid the shifting demands of the global knowledge economy, it is critical that today's workforce have higher levels of postsecondary education or training than ever before. Our nation has seen a dramatic increase in the marketplace demand for workers with postsecondary education. The demand for workers with postsecondary education has increased from 28 percent in 1973 to 59 percent today.
Redesigning Education Finance Systems for Greater Efficiency and Effectiveness
State education funding comprises nearly 50 percent of total state government expenditures, but rising costs and competition with other sectors have significantly tightened public education funding. State financing systems should be modified to ensure that student learning drives education finance decisions.
For information about the Hunt Institute and the Governors Education Symposium, please visit www.hunt-institute.org.
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A Message from the Governor of Guam
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