Acting GDOE superintendent responds to critical management audit

We continue our coverage of the fallout from the Guam Department of Education’s management audit, as lawmakers now turn their attention to the department’s newly-elected acting superintendent.

After hearing from the Guam Education Board on the findings of an independent management audit scrutinizing its conduct, Senator Chris Barnett turning the question of accountability to the new acting superintendent of the Guam Department of Education, Dr. Judi Won Pat.

“I know you spent a lot of time in education, and I’m hoping that you don’t dismiss this concern, which has been brought up by many employees across the department. So, how do you plan to address the findings and high-priority recommendations relative to the board of education members overstepping their bounds as reported in the management audit?" he questioned.

During her testimony at Wednesday’s oversight hearing, Won Pat stating the report will be reviewed to identify areas that align with the department’s strategic plan—adding that those areas will be further evaluated and action will be taken, with the board’s commitment to fully support the management team

Barnett also pointing to what he describes as a “180” between the board’s relationship with Won Pat and its past interactions with the department’s former superintendent—questioning whether that closeness could result in a reluctance to address audit findings involving the board.

“I’m very upfront, is that if yes, I feel they are micromanaging, I will definitely let them know personally that they are or that they’re nearing micromanaging, so I feel comfortable doing that," she said.

Won Pat acknowledging that public trust in the department has been eroded, but said there is a strong desire to rebuild that trust through greater transparency and accountability.

“We all agree that yes, all the issues that were brought there–and if they are valid, definitely it’s something that we want to look at, we’re not going to ignore it. But, I know for a fact, too, whenever you do some type of interviews, as a former school administrator, you hear rumors. But I always believe in listening to all sides of the story and then validate. That’s why we always say, 'Sure, somebody will tell you that’s the case.' They may trust it, but validate it. That’s exactly what we want to do." She said.

In the meantime, Won Pat also stating she believes all boards should undergo training—adding that regardless of whether the audit is accepted or rejected, the department will review its findings and use them moving forward.