During a recent government meeting, a proposal was put forth to extend a temporary exemption for the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) regarding health inspections for schools. The amendment aims to allow schools that have failed health inspections to operate conditionally for the 2024-2025 school year, provided they submit a corrective action plan to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS).

The proposed amendment stipulates that schools must address any environmental health violations identified during inspections under the Guam Code. DPHSS will set a timeline of up to 180 days for schools to rectify these deficiencies. Additionally, DPHSS will conduct on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the corrective action plans. Failure to implement these plans could result in the termination of the conditional operating status.

Despite efforts from both the GDOE and DPHSS to prioritize inspections, the meeting highlighted that 18 schools remain uninspected within the timeframe mandated by Public Law 37-32. This ongoing issue underscores the challenges faced in ensuring school safety and compliance with health regulations in Guam. The amendment seeks to provide a more accountable framework for schools to operate while addressing health concerns.