Lawmakers push for urgent school safety inspections

In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the need for increased transparency and accountability regarding the conditions of public schools in Guam. An amendment proposed by a senator aims to ensure that school communities—including students, parents, and staff—are informed about the state of schools awaiting inspection.

The proposed amendment introduces a new section mandating on-site inspections by an ad hoc task force for schools pending inspection. This task force would include the superintendent of education, members of the Guam Education Board, a school employee, a representative from the Department of Public Health and Social Services, and the school's safety liaison. The task force is tasked with reviewing progress since previous self-inspection reports and identifying any additional health and safety issues.

Key provisions of the amendment require schools to notify all stakeholders about inspection dates and to post self-inspection results on both the school's and the Guam Department of Education's websites within two days of completion. The amendment emphasizes the urgency of these inspections, particularly for schools with expired sanitary permits, which must be resolved before the start of in-class instruction.

The senator highlighted alarming findings from self-inspections, including reports of rodent infestations, underscoring the necessity for officials to assess conditions firsthand. The goal is to foster transparency and ensure that parents are fully informed about the safety of their children's learning environments.

Support for the amendment was voiced by other senators, with one expressing concern over the welfare of children in unsafe schools and advocating for parental involvement in ensuring school safety. The discussions reflect a growing commitment among lawmakers to prioritize the health and safety of students in Guam's educational institutions.