Education officials and lawmakers are readying their next steps with still no word back from the US Department of Education on their appeal to untie millions in American Rescue Plan funds tied to critical projects.

Guam Education Board Chair Angel Sablan shared the bleak news with the public Thursday.

“I wish I could give you good news from whatever was turned in a couple of weeks ago–but as of today, as of this very moment, we have not heard back,” said Sablan. 

Earlier this morning, Sablan alongside Guam Department of Education Superintendent, Dr. Kenneth Swanson, and Oversight Chair on Education, Senator Vince Borja, were hoping for a teleconference with US Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon. 

However, Sablan said they were connected with a staffer from USDOE, who could not provide any information on GDOE’s requests.

“We’re really just going to ask her directly—if she has any timeframe that she can give us as to when she can make any decision on the appeals we turned in–on the reimbursement of $51 million that we’ve also submitted. And if not, just let us know,” said Sablan. 

It’s an answer that is needed urgently as local action will be necessary to mitigate the potential permanent loss of ARP funds. 

“Doing something locally–which would mean, local appropriation to GDOE to continue the work that we have, as far as contracts where refurbishments are concerned–most especially for FBLG, the completion of GW, Ordot-Chalan Pago, and Agueda Johnston,” said Sablan. 

And with silence from DC so far, Sablan said the GEB will need to call an emergency meeting to declare a state of emergency for GDOE. 

“What that will do is trigger our request to Senator Vince Borja to ask the Speaker of the Guam legislature to call an emergency session so we can get an appropriation through the office of Senator Vince Borja in an emergency session,” said Sablan. 

The board is eyeing a $20 million local appropriation, just enough to keep critical school projects alive.

Meantime, Sablan said the GEB will hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss plans moving forward.