There’s a buzz about the future of Chief Brodie Elementary School as the Home of the Busy Bees prepares to close, but could its next life potentially benefit the community or boost GDOE's finances? KUAM New spoke with the chairman of the Guam Education Board on what’s next.

The board insists the empty facilities won’t be left to rot, arguing that neglect would be even more costly in the long run. So what will become of the home of Tamuning school?

Chairman Angel Sablan said simply, “All options are on the table.”

One possibility? Transforming Chief Brodie into a central middle school - a longstanding proposal now back on the table, according to Sablan. He added, “That possibility of being a middle school is up again. We’re waiting for the Municipal Planning Council to come up with their resolution so the board can act on it.”

But turning an elementary school into a functioning middle school could take years - and money.

In the meantime, other ideas are in play, including using the site as a temporary shelter for the island’s unhoused community.  “When there’s really a need for it and our people are out there that require a home or places they can go–maybe this is an option–and it doesn’t have to be permanent. And when the time comes, and we have funds to make it a middle school, then so be it," he commented.

Beyond community use, the GEB is looking at ways to turn idle facilities into sources of revenue for GDOE, which continues to grapple with financial shortfalls.  “The superintendent is going to issue an RFI—request for interest to the entire community—private businesses, government agencies, private organizations—they can come forward and give us their best ideas of how to make use of the facility at Chief Brodie," he said.

The board is also looking at Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School as another potential revenue source. However, their decision on the consolidation of Tamuning and LJB has been tabled...for now.

The final decision comes March 4.