San Nicolas introduces bill authorizing GDOE to operate schools
Democrat Senator Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas introduced, on June 14, Bill No. 317-37 (COR), which will authorize the operation of Guam public schools that are awaiting inspection for School Year 2024-2025 should it pass into local law.
“Because of the stringent inspection regulations placed upon Guam public schools and the short timeframe given to the Guam Department of Education to comply with these regulations through Public Laws 37-4 and 37-26, 19 public schools around the island will not meet the inspection of deadline of June 30, 2024, and will not be allowed to operate for school year 2024-2025, forcing schools that are allowed to operate to accommodate the students of these 19 schools and create undue stress to our education system,” said Sen. San Nicolas, author of Bill 317-37. “These 19 schools have safety regulations and standards in place and are deemed usable, so condemning these schools because they are pending inspection is unreasonable.”
This legislation intends to allow the operation of public schools that are pending Guam Department of Public Health inspections for the upcoming school year.
“Allowing the operation of Guam’s public schools while awaiting inspection will prevent stress on our education system, allowing the children of Guam to continue their education in a regular manner, and prevent their parents from being subjected to the irregular schedules that will be created if the schools are shut down,” San Nicolas said.
Meanwhile, GDOE superintendent K. Erik Swanson supports the bill. He acknowledged the progress made in inspecting and repairing schools, emphasizing the significant strides taken despite the limitations in capacity and resources, during a meeting with Sen. San Nicolas.
“With 19 schools already inspected, the focus has been on addressing urgent repairs first. However, to complete the necessary work on each school, a timeline of a year is required for adequate preparation, repair, and re-inspections” said Dr. Swanson, who’s calling for legislative support to extend the timeframe and provide the resources needed to continue and complete the task of ensuring safe and conducive learning environments for all students.
“This collaborative effort between the school district and legislators is crucial for the success of the initiative,” Dr. Swanson added.
Unlike Public Law 37-32, formerly known as Bill 158-37, which was introduced by San Nicolas in August 2023, GDOE schools that have failed DPHSS inspections may continue to operate at the discretion and approval of the superintendent of GDOE.
Sen. Joe S. San Agustin is a co-sponsor of the bill. This act shall be effective upon enactment. (PR)
Dwyane T.D. San Nicolas
