Delays Continue for Simon Sanchez High School Reconstruction

The reconstruction of Simon Sanchez High School in Guam has faced further delays due to new procurement protests and funding challenges. Originally set to commence with a groundbreaking ceremony on November 24, 2025, the project has been stalled again as General Pacific Services filed a protest against the bidding process, raising concerns about the evaluation and financing limits.

Core Tech International Corp. was awarded the contract for the new Sanchez campus, which has already seen significant setbacks. The company previously contested the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) decision to award a 2016 contract to the Guam Education Financing Foundation (GEFF), leading to prolonged delays. In 2025, the bidding process attracted full proposals from General Pacific Services and GEFF, but the recent procurement protest has led to an automatic stay as stipulated by Guam law, causing the groundbreaking event to be postponed.

The protest highlights disputes regarding the completeness of the procurement record and the scoring process used by the evaluation committee. While General Pacific Services questions whether the proposal exceeds the legal financing cap, DPW remains confident in its record and plans to address the concerns through the formal protest process. This ongoing situation affects approximately 3,000 students who are currently attending classes on a double-session schedule at John F. Kennedy High School.

In response to the delays, Sen. William Parkinson has introduced legislation aimed at reforming local procurement law. The proposed bill seeks to eliminate the automatic stay triggered by procurement protests and establish stricter standards for halting public projects. According to Parkinson, the legislation would allow urgent public projects to proceed while still protecting legitimate challenges, aligning Guam’s practices with national best standards.

The new high school is designed to be a 300,000-square-foot facility, accommodating up to 2,000 students and 150 faculty and staff. Bids for the construction were officially opened on March 28, 2025, with the project to be executed through a lease-leaseback arrangement. This means the winning bidder will handle financing, demolish the existing campus, and construct the new facility, leasing it back to the government for up to 30 years.

The reconstruction effort comes more than a decade after local law first authorized the new campus. In her State of the Island Address in March 2025, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero pledged to expedite the project, promising completion within three years. Despite these commitments, the community continues to face uncertainty regarding the timeline.

To provide temporary relief, a new Simon Sanchez High School campus is nearing completion. The Guam Housing Corporation (GHC) has finalized an agreement to utilize land and facilities for a temporary campus in Yigo, which will serve students until the permanent campus is completed. The GDOE has arranged for approximately 10 acres of property adjacent to F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School for this purpose.

Funding for the temporary campus will come from FEMA, and GDOE is currently in the process of ordering classroom furniture and selecting a contractor. Construction had not yet begun as of early August 2025, but plans are in motion to ensure that Sanchez High students have a dedicated space while waiting for the permanent campus to open by the 2027-2028 school year.

The ongoing delays in the reconstruction of Simon Sanchez High School underscore the complexities of navigating procurement processes and funding challenges. As stakeholders work towards resolution, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to support the educational needs of local students.