Joshua C. Blas

The board meeting focused on a comprehensive review of the Superintendent's report, covering the status of facility projects such as JFKHS/SSHS double sessions, FEMA projects, FBLG renovations, and mold mitigation, along with updates on student behavior, financial issues, and the Micronesia Leadership Summit. Key agenda items included 2026 standing committee assignments, the Head Start report, and a resolution to reintroduce civics education. The board also addressed fiscal management, including financial reports, grant status updates for the fiscal year, and audit management. Additional business involved reviewing legislative proposals, conducting an executive session regarding personnel, collective bargaining, legal matters, and the Superintendent's evaluation, followed by sessions for celebrate success and public participation.

The meeting included the introduction of the new Superintendent's deputies. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to celebrating successes, including JROTC cadets from Simon Sanchez High School and Okkodo High School, and a student recognized for enlisting in the Guam Army National Guard and achieving a Platinum badge on the WorkKeys Assessment. Key discussion points involved drafting a resolution in support of Faniyakan CHamoru utilizing the Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School facility. The Board approved the consent calendar, which included rejecting the minutes of prior emergency meetings, and nominated Guam Police Officer Isiah Ibanez for the Government of Guam Service Star Award. The Fiscal Management Committee report highlighted significant progress in reducing accounts payable and outlined strategies for monitoring federal grants, including extensions for certain programs. The Board also approved amendments to several board policies (105, 105.10, 115, 120.2, 120.4, 125.3, 125.12, and 130) and tabled the BRIP Review and Recommendations. The Safe & Healthy Schools Committee discussed security concerns, specifically non-operational elevators at Southern High School, and explored policies for renting school facilities to generate revenue while considering liability and potential middle school designation for Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School. The Board postponed discussion of the FY 2024 Audit Report until February and agreed to draft a unified statement regarding factual inaccuracies found within the report for an upcoming legislative hearing. Finally, the Board elected Dr. Judith Guthertz as Chair and Dr. Mary A.Y. Okada as Vice Chair, and accepted the revised CHamoru Language & Culture Program Standards/Performance Indicators.

The primary discussion centered on Resolution 2026-02, concerning the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Guam Department of Education, totaling $307,027,564.82. The budget incorporates an updated staffing pattern, addresses collective bargaining compliance by adding 267 new positions, and allocates funds for personnel services, contractual services, supplies, and equipment. Discussions ensued regarding whether GDOE's submission was required to be performance-based, with clarification that the legislature ultimately did not mandate it for the current cycle, though the submission showed readiness. Concerns were raised regarding the availability of FY2025 local fund lapses and security funding for schools, including the installation of solar lights and cameras. Further discussion involved the relocation of the Faniyakan CHamoru program from Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School (LBJES) and the need for proactive funding allocation for this purpose. The Board also discussed the timeline for announcing a final plan to end double sessions at Simon Sanchez High School (SSHS). The resolution to adopt the FY2027 budget was ultimately passed with an 8-1 vote after making corrections regarding extraneous paragraphs related to prior superintendent findings and compensation proposals.

The agenda for the rescheduled February 17 Regular Meeting of the Guam Education Board, taking place on February 24, 2026, included multiple key discussion and action items. Financial matters reviewed included the Unaudited Statement of Appropriations, Expenditures, and Encumbrances for Fiscal Year 2026 as of February 12, 2026, along with Accounts Payable Aging and Declaration of Financial Status Designation reports. Unfinished Business featured status reports on various school projects such as JFKHS/SSHS Double Session, FEMA Projects, FBLG Renovation, Mold Mitigation/Fencing, and the CCSSO Legislative Conference scheduled for March 2026. The Board was set to address legal counsel appointments, the Superintendent's employment agreement, and reports from various standing committees. New Business involved adjustments to meeting times, a resolution urging the reintroduction of Civics Education at middle and high school levels, and Standing Committee assignments. The agenda also provided for an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, collective bargaining, the Superintendent's Evaluation, and legal matters.

The rescheduled meeting agenda included the review of consent items, including previous meeting minutes. Ex-Officio Member reports were scheduled from IBOGS, GFT, and MCOG. Unfinished Business covered the Superintendent's Report detailing status updates on various projects (JFKHS/SSHS Double Session, FEMA Projects, FBLG Renovation, Mold Mitigation/Fencing, Dashboard Status) and reports from the Executive, Instructional & Academic Support, Safe & Healthy Schools, Policy Review & Strategic Planning, and Fiscal Management Committees. Fiscal matters included reports on accounts payable aging, financial status designation, appropriation/expenditures, and grant status, as well as the FY 2024 Audit Report. New Business featured an adjustment of meeting times and a resolution urging the reintroduction of Civics Education. The agenda concluded with plans for an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, collective bargaining, the Superintendent's Evaluation, and legal matters.