GDOE Plans for Double Sessions Amid Ongoing Renovation Challenges

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) announced that double sessions at four campuses may continue into the next school year due to ongoing challenges related to renovations and equipment needs following the damage caused by Typhoon Mawar. The affected schools include F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, Okkodo High School, John F. Kennedy High School, and Simon A. Sanchez High School. GDOE officials are currently evaluating options to minimize disruption for students, staff, and families, with a decision expected by the end of March or the first week of April.

Acting Education Superintendent Judi Won Pat shared that principals from the four schools are finalizing three potential strategies to alleviate the impact of double sessions. “The most important thing that we ask them to do is to make sure that it is the least disruptive solution for our school children, for the staff and their families,” she stated. Committees are assessing the feasibility of each option, considering resource availability, funding sources, and necessary logistics.

The challenges faced by GDOE extend beyond scheduling. Renovation efforts have been hindered by unresolved contracting issues, particularly those tied to funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Construction plans for Yigo Middle School, for instance, began with classrooms but did not account for the gym, which has suffered additional damage post-Typhoon Mawar. Won Pat noted the difficulty in finding a structural engineer on the island to address these concerns.

A new proposal from Northern Construction Co. surfaced recently, suggesting the inclusion of gym repairs in the renovation project. “We have not decided yet what to do, because it would mean a modification on the contract,” Won Pat explained. She emphasized that any changes involving tax credits would necessitate a new request for proposals, complicating the timeline further.

In addition to construction delays, GDOE is facing significant costs related to equipment needs. These include collateral equipment for F.B. Leon Guerrero and fire suppression systems, which will also require new requests for proposals, as they cannot be managed as change orders. Education board member Maria Gutierrez raised concerns regarding the need for at least three change orders associated with the project, emphasizing that the gym was not part of the original contract.

As the situation evolves, GDOE leadership is conducting a thorough review of all contracts in coordination with legal and financial oversight. Won Pat assured that legal counsel and financial auditors are always present during discussions to ensure compliance and transparency. When asked if the gym repair is covered by FEMA funding, she clarified that it is not, as the funding pertains only to buildings and classrooms.

Delays in repairs are likely to affect students at F.B. Leon Guerrero and Simon Sanchez, with Won Pat acknowledging that the situation would not be resolved within the current school year or likely by the start of the next school year in August. “We’ve got to be very honest with the students and parents,” she stated, highlighting the importance of transparency in communication.

Board members expressed concern over how GDOE plans to address nearly $10 million in urgent needs, including equipment and fire suppression systems. Education board member Angel Sablan questioned the availability of funds, while board chair Mary Okada noted that personnel funds had been redirected to cover some immediate expenses.

Won Pat confirmed that lapsed funding from before December would be allocated to address the collateral equipment and fire suppression system needs at F.B. Leon Guerrero. Nevertheless, both will require new proposals, extending the timeline for resolution.

Since January 2023, F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School has been utilizing space at Okkodo High School due to severe structural safety concerns and water-related damage at its campus. Simon Sanchez High School began operating on a double session schedule with JFK High School at the start of the 2023-2024 school year after sustaining extensive infrastructural damage from Typhoon Mawar.

Moving forward, the GDOE remains focused on resolving these issues to ensure a smooth transition for students into the upcoming school year and to eventually eliminate the need for double sessions.