Three candidates aspiring to lead the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) articulated their visions for the agency during a press conference on October 16, 2023. The event took place at the GDOE headquarters in Tiyan and focused on key themes such as transparency, teacher retention, and effective financial management. This comes as the Guam Education Board prepares to select the next chief education officer to succeed Kenneth Erik Swanson, whose tenure concludes on December 31, 2023.
The press conference featured current Deputy Assistant Superintendents Barbara Adamos and Joseph Sanchez, along with Erika Cruz, the Acting Principal of J.P. Success Academy and a former deputy superintendent. Notably absent were Judith Won Pat, the governor’s education czar, and Kenneth Perez, former deputy superintendent of education support and community learning, due to prior commitments.
All three candidates emphasized their extensive experience within GDOE during challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties surrounding federal funding. They unanimously agreed on the importance of rebuilding public trust through transparency and open communication with families, staff, and the broader community.
Joseph Sanchez, who has been instrumental in developing GDOE’s 2022 strategic plan, stated, “Openness must be part of the department’s culture. Individuals should not have to resort to sending a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain documents that are already public. There’s nothing to hide.” Similarly, Cruz reinforced the notion that transparency is the foundation of trust. “We serve 23,000 students and 3,000 employees. Without transparency, there is no trust,” she remarked, highlighting her commitment to keeping parents informed about student safety during the pandemic.
Adamos proposed establishing “listening circles” involving teachers, parents, and students across the island to ensure community voices are heard. “These circles will not only address concerns but celebrate success,” she explained. Emphasizing transparency, she committed to fostering open communication from the board level down.
When discussing the challenge of sustaining school modernization amid limited funding, the candidates acknowledged that the $240 million allocated for GDOE’s facilities improvement projects falls short of meeting all infrastructure needs. Cruz advocated for long-term, dedicated funding and stronger collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense to support families in military housing. “We’re at the mercy of temporary funds. We must reestablish trust with DOD and show accountability with federal dollars,” she said.
Adamos referred to the department’s 10-year school facility master plan, which outlines schools for refurbishment or potential closure. “We have 12 schools currently under refurbishment and several more that need assessment,” she noted. Sanchez added that GDOE must first account for existing expenditures before seeking additional appropriations. “Before asking for more money, we need to show that we’re using what we already have effectively,” he stated.
As teacher shortages remain a pressing concern in Guam’s public schools, all candidates outlined their strategies for recruiting and retaining educators, particularly in hard-to-fill positions. Adamos, a veteran educator with 35 years of experience, emphasized the importance of mentorship and professional development. “Mentorship works. We must support teachers from their first day through their third year. That’s when they decide whether to stay or go,” she asserted.
Sanchez proposed expanding certification support and mentorship at the school level, noting that over 80 teachers have successfully earned full credentials through GDOE’s internal certification assistance program. “We’ve shifted mentoring to the school level so new teachers get real-time support,” he explained, highlighting financial assistance for Praxis exams and coursework.
Cruz highlighted the need for a respectful and supportive workplace to enhance teacher retention. “Healthy environments lead to respectful employees,” she stated, advocating for incentives for critical positions.
The candidates were also questioned about ensuring fiscal transparency and the timely allocation of appropriations, especially following reports of unspent funds. Sanchez emphasized the need for improved communication and monitoring systems. “It’s unacceptable that we have lapses in our local funds; it’s unacceptable to not be clear on where those lapses are,” he remarked, stressing the importance of consistent financial reporting.
Cruz, who pointed out that GDOE currently lacks a comptroller, underscored the necessity for stronger internal controls. “At $24 million in lapsed funds, how can that be? I would hold my deputy of finance accountable and ensure that the funds are used wisely,” she affirmed.
Adamos proposed implementing a data-driven system to track spending and project milestones. “I want everyone to see the big picture. This is how much money we have to spend, and this is when it has to be spent,” she explained, emphasizing the need for accountability in managing funds.
The Guam Education Board will convene on October 21, 2023 to deliberate on the candidates, with the aim of selecting a new superintendent shortly thereafter. The chosen candidate is expected to assume office on January 1, 2026, with the board expressing a desire for a smooth transition, unlike Swanson’s experience when he joined the department two years ago without a transition period.
