Senator Vincent Borja, chairman of the Legislature’s Committee on Education, has announced significant reforms for the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) following a critical audit of its operations for fiscal year 2024. The audit, released on Friday, revealed that after 22 years of oversight from both Democrat and Republican administrations, GDOE continues to be classified as a high-risk federal grantee. Alarmingly, the report indicates that $12 million in expired grants is “at risk of loss” as of December 2025, alongside $1 million in questioned costs for the current fiscal year.
Borja expressed deep concerns about the longstanding issues facing the department, stating, “We, as leaders, continue to fail—and that includes the Legislature, past administrations, and the Guam Education Board.” He noted that these challenges are not new, having persisted for decades, and emphasized the urgency for change.
Audit Findings Prompt Legislative Action
The audit’s findings come on the heels of the July 2024 decision to remove a third-party fiduciary, a move intended to save approximately $3 million annually. However, Borja’s office indicated that this decision may have been premature, as GDOE was not fully prepared to manage its financial and compliance responsibilities independently. The audit highlighted several issues, including procurement violations and weaknesses in inventory management, raising concerns about the risk of federal noncompliance shortly after oversight was lifted.
Borja asserted, “We cannot gamble with federal education funding. If Guam loses federal dollars, it will not be policymakers who suffer—it will be students and teachers.” He stressed the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the governance of public education in Guam, declaring that all options would be considered in the upcoming weeks. Proposed reforms include strengthening the authority of the Guam Education Board, transferring greater control to the executive branch, and potentially restructuring the board to be fully appointed.
Commitment to Accountability and Community Input
“No decisions have been made,” Borja clarified. “But doing nothing is not an option.” He outlined plans for implementing clear benchmarks and timelines, public compliance reporting, and regular oversight hearings. Borja emphasized the importance of taking meaningful action to ensure that deficiencies are addressed within the fiscal year. “This is not about politics or personalities,” he said. “It’s about students, teachers, and trust. If we continue to fail, then leadership itself must change.”
Additionally, Borja addressed public frustrations regarding the Legislature’s response to GDOE’s cash-flow problems. He noted that merely responding to requests for emergency funding without addressing systemic issues has contributed to the ongoing challenges. “Writing another check without reform doesn’t solve the problem—it delays it,” he stated, underlining the need for legislative responsibility in ensuring that public funds are used effectively to improve educational outcomes.
Borja recognized that the oversight provided by the Legislature has not been sufficient over time. He pointed out that the Guam Education Board also shares responsibility for the governance and oversight failures identified in the audit. “This is not about blame—it’s about honesty,” he remarked, stating that the current oversight system has not functioned as intended.
To enhance accountability, Borja introduced an amendment in the recent budget, which has now become law. This amendment establishes strict fiscal execution and accountability requirements for GDOE, including mandatory fiscal execution plans, quarterly performance and expenditure reporting, and public certification by the superintendent. “These safeguards exist precisely so the Legislature is not forced to govern through last-minute bailouts,” he emphasized.
Last month, Borja hosted a community roundtable to discuss the future governance of GDOE. The event, held on December 17, sought to gather input from the community, including educators, administrators, lawmakers, and union representatives. Participants expressed concerns that Guam’s public school system is at a breaking point and called for immediate reforms in governance, staffing, and funding to protect the interests of students and teachers.
As the Legislature prepares to discuss various reform options, Borja remains committed to working collaboratively with the Guam Education Board and the new superintendent. He insists that corrective action plans must now be realistic, measurable, and enforceable to ensure lasting improvements in the island’s education system.
