Guam Department of Education

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

Guam education officials announced Monday that students from Simon Sanchez and Tiyan High Schools would attend classes together.

The bill, signed into law by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, was introduced by Sen. Vince Borja to reduce "bureaucratic barriers."

The new campus, which will feature 87 classrooms, will accommodate up to 2,000 students.

Won Pat served as acting superintendent before Kenneth Swanson started work in 2023.