URGENT UPDATE: The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is grappling with an unprecedented crisis as $27 million in federal education funding has been lost, leading to the permanent closure of schools, including Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary and Lyndon Baines Johnson Elementary, both shuttered in May 2025. This alarming development marks a significant turning point for GDOE, which is now facing its most severe financial and governance challenges in decades.
The closures come as former Education Superintendent Erik Swanson, who resigned on December 20, 2025, after just over two years in office, worked tirelessly to stabilize the situation. Swanson, whose tenure began in July 2023, faced a myriad of issues including procurement delays and compliance failures which ultimately contributed to the loss of funding. His departure is a pivotal moment as the board transitions to new leadership under Judi Won Pat, set to take over in 2026.
Officials confirmed that the GDOE’s struggle with grant management resulted in the expiration of $26,877,038.76 in federal grants, which were intended for critical areas such as special education and student services. This lapse not only signifies missed opportunities for students but has also triggered immediate hiring and travel freezes, exacerbating an already dire staffing situation.
At a recent Guam Education Board meeting, members confronted the shocking reality of the financial losses, with Sen. Vince Borja emphasizing the urgent need for a roundtable discussion to address these funding crises. The situation escalated as lawmakers revealed that nearly $150 million in federal education funding is now at risk, further threatening GDOE’s ability to maintain essential programs.
The U.S. Department of Education’s recent decision to cut GDOE’s consolidated grant funding by 26% for fiscal 2025 has compounded the financial strain, slashing available resources from $35.8 million to $26.48 million. This cut has delayed vital services such as after-school care and teacher training, leaving the educational system in turmoil.
In November, GDOE officials warned that without a crucial $54 million in payroll reimbursement, they may not be able to reopen F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School or fund key educational programs. The ongoing cash flow pressure stems from a federal policy requiring upfront costs to be covered by local funds, leading to significant operational challenges.
As the school year approaches, GDOE’s projected deficit for fiscal 2026 stands between $38 million and $40 million. The ramifications of these financial hardships are clear: critical staffing shortages and a halt to essential services threaten the education of approximately 24,000 students across Guam.
Despite these challenges, GDOE achieved full accreditation across all schools, according to a recent audit by the Pacific Policy Research Center. However, the audit also highlighted ongoing issues with procurement, accountability, and underperformance in student outcomes. The board has since halted action on the $400,000 audit after identifying inaccuracies, delaying potential improvements.
The GDOE crisis is not just a financial issue; it affects the future of education in Guam. As the new leadership prepares to take on these challenges, the community watches closely, hoping for swift and effective solutions that will revive the struggling school system.
Stay tuned as this story develops and the implications for GDOE students and staff unfold in the coming weeks. Share this urgent update to keep others informed about the critical state of education in Guam.
