The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) has reported $142.3 million in expenditures under the American Rescue Plan, but $25 million remains unpaid to vendors.
Officials say vendors completed work under legally approved contracts, but shifting guidance from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has delayed payments. Although U.S. DOE initially approved late liquidation through March 2026, the agency later required GDOE to re-justify each project. Appeals were submitted in early June, but GDOE has not yet received a response.
“We legally had permission from U.S. Department of Education to do all these contracts,” said Deputy Superintendent of Finance Administrative Services, Morgan “Wade” Borja Paul, responding to the Office of Finance and Budget’s concern for smaller agencies who would struggle more while awaiting for GDOE payments. “And then all of a sudden they said we’re not paying the bill anymore.”
So far, GDOE has received $106.8 million in federal reimbursements and continues to seek clarity on the remaining balance.
