The Guam Department of Education has struggled to staff its classrooms for some time now and retired teachers have helped fill those gaps.

But for some lawmakers, the conditions under which they return need serious reform.

Senator Chris Barnett discussed his Bill 43 during today’s public hearing, aiming to address these shortages by allowing the temporary rehiring of retired GDOE teachers as a result of  military activation of incumbent teachers or absence due to a long-term disability status and makes one key change.

“I don’t think that retirees that are rehired into the Government of Guam should be restricted or otherwise punished relative to the accrual of sick leave,” said Sen. Barnett. 

While the bill only covers sick leave, not annual leave, it ensures retirees keep their government health insurance while on non-pay status.

Meanwhile, Bill 48, introduced by Senator Vincent Borja, would authorize limited annual and sick leave benefits for all retired teachers rehired on contract.

“The Department of Education has often had to rely on the expertise and dedication of retired teachers, rehiring them on a contractual basis to ensure that classrooms remain staffed,” said Borja. “Under the current framework, these retired educators do not receive benefits, benefits that could support their well-being and encourage them to remain in service longer.”

Supporters for the bill said these benefits are long overdue.

“Any bill we can get to keep retired teachers coming back to cover the shortage as of now, I’m in favor of,” said Tim Fedenko, President of Guam Federation of Teachers.

But the question remains: Are leave benefits alone enough to bring retirees back, especially when they’re being rehired at step 1?

“Many of them don’t want to come back for one reason: it’s a slap in their face and their profession, after going through so many years of service, to be hired at entry level,” said Peter Ada, Guam Education Board member. 

“We have 22 positions that we’re trying to fill. If we have retirees who apply next week, after going through the interview process and processing systems, we’d bring them on board as soon as we can,” said Dr. Barbara Adamos, GDOE Deputy Superintendent. 

Whether it's emergency staffing or long-term classroom coverage, these bills could play a vital role in keeping Guam's classrooms full.

In the meantime, legislative committees will continue reviewing the fiscal and policy impacts.