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."
