Just how much could the Guam Department of Education save if the Guam Education Board decides to close three recommended schools?

The estimated savings: $7 million.

However, the plan is not to completely shutter schools up for consideration to include Chief Brodie Elementary, Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary, and Harry S. Truman Elementary.

Instead, the goal is to maintain them at a lower cost.

But why spend any money on vacant campuses? It's a question Tim Fedenko raised during the GEB’s work session on right-sizing.

“When you decommission a school, why on earth would you put any money into it? Pull the power, shut the water off—and then we’re going to save some more money,” Fedenko.

GEB Chair Angel Sablan argued that shutting off power and water would lead to mold and vandalism, potentially costing more in the long run.

Meanwhile, GEB Vice-Chair Mary Okada advocated for strategies to maximize the department’s finances, suggesting that vacant schools could generate revenue.

“Although we know it cost more money to decommission a school and shut the power off—pairing that up with a bid for somebody to pay us to use the facility to generate money for the department is probably–or should be at the top of your list–because we keep asking for more money–why don’t we just make our own,” said Okada.

Okada emphasized the importance of including this option in the board’s decommissioning plan.

“Maybe not at the same time, but it has to be up before everybody starts asking and we start transferring. We need to have a plan in place to make money on these facilities,” said Okada.

Meantime, principals from Juan M. Guerrero, Tamuning, and LBJ Elementary Schools expressed support for consolidation efforts.

Marcial Sablan Elementary’s principal also shared that her southern campus could spare five classrooms amid the proposal of merging with Harry S. Truman. Still, the board recognized the Santa Rita community’s pleas to keep Harry S. Truman open.

“We need to listen to those parents and those students and to the faculty there. And if that’s what they want, then we should give it to them,” said Sablan.

Sablan confirmed the board will make its final decision during the February 18th meeting, telling KUAM, “I believe all members are ready to vote.”