Sen. Chris Barnett has called for the resignation of the Guam schools superintendent, but Judith Won Pat says she is not stepping down and would appreciate support from the Legislature.
Barnett sent Won Pat a letter criticizing recent problems in the schools, including the plan to put Simon Sanchez High School students in a shared campus at Tiyan, the failed sanitation inspection at Tiyan, double sessions and the brief loss of Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation.
Barnett raised questions about problems with communication between the Department of Education and parents, and said faculty and staff do not feel supported.
He said none of the problems began with Won Pat, but what he described as “lack of communication, backwards priorities and bad decisions” have not led to progress in the schools.
He asked for her resignation, effective immediately.
In response, Won Pat said she is not resigning but remains committed to leading the Guam Department of Education and to working hard for students, families, and employees.
She added that she would appreciate Barnett’s help with the department, as support for the legislature is essential to addressing the department’s needs.
