Governor’s School Opening Readiness Team Completes Phase 1

DOE Procurement of Materials and Supplies Hinders Progress

Hagåtña, Guam - At the direction of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio, GovGuam agencies were deployed to 16 Department of Education (DOE) schools that have yet to open. While agencies await the arrival of materials to address major projects such as installing toilets, light fixtures, and AC units, they are working directly with school principals to address issues ranging from debris removal to general cleaning and painting.

Phase 1 of the School Opening Readiness Team's (SORT) project consisted of getting boots on the ground and in the schools to assess what is needed firsthand. Unfortunately, many of the items on GDOE's punch list do not accurately reflect what is needed in the schools. This is why it was necessary to send teams into the schools to assess what needs to be done properly.

Earlier this week, the Governor approved DOE's request for Emergency Procurement of Supplies for electrical, plumbing, cleaning, and carpentry necessary for the Opening of Schools for School Year 2024-2025. DOE had available funds for this use, namely the Guam Education Facilities Fund (GEFF) and American Rescue Plan (ARP), which is set to expire on September 30, 2024.

"Our top priority is returning our kids to school in the safest and fastest way possible. We are coordinating closely with the Department of Education and contractors to make this happen-even if it means sectioning off areas that still require repairs or are awaiting materials. We are committed to ensuring our students can get back to learning while we continue the necessary work," said Governor Leon Guerrero.

"This unfortunate situation has caused disruption to thousands of our families and children. We understand the burden these challenges have created, and our goal is to restore normalcy as quickly as possible so that our students can return to the classroom and resume their learning," said Lt. Governor Tenorio.

The Governor's SORT Teams will continue supporting school cleaning and repairs until their designated schools receive a passing grade from Public Health. However, many of these schools are still procuring the supplies and materials necessary to pass the inspection. Schools like George Washington High School have major capital improvement projects that have been contracted out to a construction company.

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