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."
