Guam Department of Education

WASC stated that there was no break in membership in good standing and that accreditation is considered continuous.

Details on the return to campus are still in the planning phase. The department will hold meetings with students, parents and others before making final decisions.

GDOE spokesperson Damen Michael Borja said the department has since addressed the outstanding payment, which was completed Monday, and is awaiting word on accreditation from WASC.

Meetings about the double sessions will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at the Okkodo High School main cafeteria and the George Washington High School cafeteria.

Sen. Vincent Borja said Guam ranks last among states and territories for annual median wages for education and library occupations. With housing, healthcare, transportation and everyday costs climbing, teachers leave for jurisdictions that pay more.

Many of the Guam public schools were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and most are listed in poor condition, according to Deputy Superintendent Julie Ulloa-Heath.

Judith Won Pat, who as a senator helped write the law that set up the current board structure, testified on Bill 286-38 during a public hearing Wednesday afternoon.

Senators will hear updates on school readiness and consider a bill to eliminate the elected Board of Education

Board members voted unanimously to keep schools open for the upcoming school year, and to continue gathering and data and looking for alternatives to school closures as enrollment declines.

Education officials testified on a bill that would set up the framework and licensing requirements to have school psychologists on Guam