Governor’s SORT Supports More School Openings. Jose Rios Middle School and PC Lujan Elementary Pass Public Health Inspections

Hagåtña, Guam - Another two schools make a passing grade to return to in-person learning. This week, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) completed inspections at Jose Rios Middle School and P.C. Lujan Elementary Schools. Both campuses were supported by the Governor's School Opening Readiness Team (SORT), which provided the labor and expertise and worked alongside the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) to address campuswide repairs.

At Jose Rios Middle School, Governor's SORT repaired the school's decades-old electrical panel issues, which supported the restoration of air conditioning and ventilators. Teams also addressed debris removal, cleaning and painting of classrooms, repairs to restrooms, and ground maintenance. This work was completed by the Port Authority of Guam, which provided skilled laborers, including electricians and electrical engineers, the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID), and the Veterans Affairs Office, with the assistance of GTA who provided a boom manlift to gain access to the gymnasium roof.

At P.C. Lujan Elementary School, repairs were made to doors, ventilation, water fountains, plumbing, bathroom stalls, and debris removal. This work was completed by the Guam Contractors Licensing Board, Marianas Fusion Center, and Guam Housing Corporation.

"Alongside the Guam Department of Education facilities and maintenance team and our dedicated school principals and staff, our Governor's School Opening Readiness Team (SORT) is making remarkable strides at some of the island's most challenging campuses, allowing more students to return to in-person learning. With the expertise and manpower from various agencies, we are addressing longstanding issues, such as the electrical panel at Jose Rios Middle School, which has been a primary concern for years. As more schools reopen, we will continue to allocate resources to those that remain closed and work closely with the GDOE to ensure as many campuses open in the safest and fastest way possible," said Acting Governor Josh Tenorio.

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