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Education

Guam Public Schools Will Not Lose Power

Officials work together to pay GPSS power bill and ensure students stay in school

February 27, 2009

Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz today led a meeting with public school officials, Department of Administration, Guam Power Authority and the government’s fiscal team to prevent the disconnection of power to Guam’s public schools.

“This is about 31,000 students. We will not send them home because their school could not pay the power bill,” said Acting Governor Cruz. “I’ve called a meeting with GPSS and DOA officials and members of our fiscal team to figure out how we can fix this and prevent it from happening again.”

Consolidated Commission on Utilities Chairman, Simon Sanchez, participated in the meeting via telephone and was in agreement with the payment schedule proposed by GPSS, DOA and the government’s fiscal team. To resolve prior year obligations, GPSS will be requesting legislative permission, as required by law, to pay past debt to GPA. Moving forward, GPSS and senior members of the administration will continue to monitor the cash flow needs of the education system and better communicate any area of concern before it become critical.

“We recognize that our government’s funds are tight right now and the need will be mindful of how we spend money from the general fund,” said Superintendent Schafer. “On behalf of the thousands of public school students, I thank the Acting Governor and Chairman Sanchez whose leadership and cooperation helped us avoid a crisis.”

Sgambelluri and Meadows Appointed to Education Board

Governor chooses from nominees presented by Stakeholders Committee

December 14, 2008

Governor Felix P. Camacho has appointed Dr. Lee Meadows and Salvatore Giovanni T. "Bunny" Sgambelluri to the Guam Education Policy Board.

Dr. Meadows will fill the vacant seat from the Luchan district. Mr. Sgambelluri, the former superintendent of the Guam Public School System, will represent the Kattan district.

"I want to thank everyone involved in the selection process for helping me to appoint members who will represent the best interests of our people," Governor Camacho said. "There is so much work to be done and I look forward to working with Dr. Meadows, Mr. Sgambelluri, the other members of the Board, and GPSS in providing the best education to our children."

Administration to Transfer $650,000 to UOG

Governor uses transfer authority to help prevent student fee increases, maintain critical programs and services

November 13, 2008

Governor Felix P. Camacho has authorized the transfer of $650,000 to the University of Guam, which will help prevent student fee surcharges for the upcoming 2009 Spring and Summer semesters, in addition to providing further support for University programs and scholarship awards.

"The Administration is proud to work with the University in prioritizing the critical needs of the students, faculty and staff, especially as government agencies at all levels must cope with budget shortfalls this fiscal year," Governor Camacho said. "The $650,000 transfer will provide additional financial support to ensure this institution maintains its focus on providing a quality higher education for our students."

The Governor's transfer will help maintain several programs and services such as the UOG Reserve Officer Training Corps program, the Marine Laboratory and Regent Scholarship awards.

Under PL 29-113, Governor Camacho is authorized and urged to transfer additional funds to the University, whose budget was reduced by seven percent from the previous year. The Bureau of Budget Management and Resources has identified $650,000 from available revenues and lapses that will be transferred to the University pursuant to this section.

GPSS Receives Much Needed Materials

July 2, 2008

Guam Public School System maintenance workers are finally getting their hands on the materials they need to get the job done.

Yesterday Department of Public Works deputy director Andy Leon Guerrero announced the procurement of plumbing and electrical supplies for several schools. Upon receiving purchase orders, vendors delivered materials to GPSS warehouses and continue dispersing those materials to various schools.

"DPW has all the expertise, such as engineers, that we've been lacking and now we can tap into that resource to fix our schools," said GPSS Facilities and Maintenance Manager, Ken Calvo.

Meanwhile, DPW Director Larry Perez says they are putting together a plan that will compile and summarize all citations and inspections by DPW, GPSS and the Attorney General's office. That list will then be assigned to the appropriate district to determine what scope of work can be outsourced, handled by GPSS or DPW's workforce or through volunteers.

"We expect this plan to be completed by close of business day today," said DPW Director Larry Perez. "By Friday purchase orders and contracts should be completed and starting Saturday we will begin working 16 hour days, 7 days a week until our schools are ready to open."

It has been 8 days since Acting Superintendent Wilfred G. Aflague declared the School System in a state of emergency and requested the assistance of DPW and all necessary GovGuam agencies to assist GPSS in meeting its August 12th deadline to open schools.

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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