Search Through All NoticesApril 14, 2025
MEMORANDUM
TO: ALL SENATORS, STAKEHOLDERS, MEDIA
FROM: SENATOR VINCENT A. V. BORJA
Chairperson, Committee on Education, Libraries, and Public Broadcasting
RE: SECOND NOTICE OF OVERSIGHT HEARING – APRIL 16, 2025
HAGÅTÑA, GUAM – The Committee on Education, Libraries, and Public Broadcasting announces an upcoming oversight hearing to address significant changes in federal education policies and their implications for Guam’s public education system. This hearing will take place on April 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Guam Congress Building.
In an effort to ensure transparency, accountability, and readiness in the administration of federal education grants, the hearing will focus on key agenda items pertaining to the management and impact of educational grants on our students, educators, and schools. Discussion points will include:
1. Contracts, Requisitions, and Purchase Orders – Review of all documents related to the obligation of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESF), American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) program funds.
2. Correspondence with the U.S. Department of Education – Examination of communication regarding ESF, ARPA, and CRRSA programs since January 2025.
3. Correspondence with the Guam Education Board – Assessment of any interactions related to the aforementioned grant programs.
4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Evaluation of procedures guiding the administration of federal grant programs, including processes for purchasing and requisition.
5. Impact Summary of Recent Changes – Discussion on the repercussions of the recent modifications to federal grant programs, specifically the ESF, ARPA, and CRRSA programs.
6. Programs Being Cut by the United States Department of Education – Discussion on specific educational programs that are being reduced or eliminated by directives from the United States Department of Education and the anticipated impact on students and educators.
7. School Opening Timeliness and Public Health – Addressing concerns related to the timely reopening of schools and the measures necessary to ensure public health and safety for students and staff.
8. Grass Cutting and School Maintenance – Evaluation of the current contracts and conditions related to grass cutting and general maintenance of school facilities, ensuring a conducive learning environment.
9. Teacher Shortage Status – Discussion on the ongoing teacher, SPED, and aide shortages and the implications for educational quality and student support.
10. School Maximization and Double Session – Analysis of strategies related to school maximization efforts and the implications of double sessions at Simon Sanchez High School and John F. Kennedy High School.
How to Participate: Written testimony may be delivered to the Office of Senator Vincent A. V. Borja, DNA Building Suite 502, 238 Archbishop Flores Street, Hagåtña Guam 96910 or via email to contact@senatorvinceborja.com The Committee requests that testimonies be submitted at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled hearing.
Please confirm your attendance by contacting the office of Senator Vincent A. V. Borja via email at contact@senatorvinceborja.com or via voice call at (671) 969-8423
Special Accommodations: All government activities, programs, and services are accessible for people with disabilities in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For assistance or special accommodations to fully participate in this public hearing please contact the office of Senator Vincent A.V. Borja at (671) 969-8423 or via email at contact@senatorvinceborja.com
Watch Live/Record: The hearing will be broadcast live on local television, (GTA, Channel 21, Docomo Channel 117), and streamed online via I Liheslaturan Guåhan’s live feed on YouTube. After the hearing, a hearing recording will also be available online via Guam Legislature Media on YouTube.
