Guam Department of Education to close certain schools

The Guam Department of Education has begun its process of engaging with stakeholders on schools’ decommission. 

GDOE Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson noted the significant decline in Guam DOE’s student population, which currently sits at 24,000, about 7,000 less than what GDOE has the capacity for, as one reason for the “right-sizing.” 

Though there is no official word on how many or which schools will be decommissioned, all GDOE schools will undergo review, taking a look at population, school capacity, population projections, community/location, costs, facilities and maintenance and more. 

Breaking down the timeline for the selection of schools to decommission, GDOE Deputy Superintendent Joe Sanchez said that by April 28, the community should know what schools are recommended for decommission, with the process to begin by May 5. 

Sanchez added, “It’s not just a numbers game, it’s not just facilities we’re talking about, it’s not just distance–we’re talking about human beings, and we wanna be really sensitive to the transitions that’s going to have to take place with the students and their families, as well as human resources with our teachers and staff.” 

Conversations with the public on the matter will continue. The schedule is now available below. 

You can also watch the meeting in its entirety on KUAM’s YouTube channel.