Senator calls for emergency session to address GDOE funding crisis

A call for an emergency session for the Guam Department of Education. Oversight chair on education, Senator Vince Borja, requesting Speaker Frank Blas Jr. hold an emergency session to address GDOE’s funding challenge due to recent federal policy changes.
Borja urging the immediate consideration of legislation to establish the GDOE federal advances revolving fund, a $30 million temporary funding mechanism administered by the Department of Administration.
The oversight chair says this money will fund payments for federally reimbursable expenditures, ensuring GDOE can meet its obligations, sustain progress on school repairs, and open on time.
To note, the new change requires local prepayment on federally funded projects, with only potential reimbursement.
He adds that without legislative action, Guam DOE faces delays in contractor payments, which would impair school repairs, disrupt operations, and prevent compliance with public health and safety requirements.