During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the state of public health inspections in Guam's schools, particularly as many institutions have been awaiting evaluations since the 2023-2024 school year. A significant discussion highlighted that if a proposed bill passes, these schools could potentially operate for another year without any public health oversight.

According to self-inspection reports from the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), 14 out of 18 schools would fail public health inspections based on their current conditions. This alarming statistic has prompted worries about the safety and health standards in these educational facilities. The GDOE has been trained by public health officials to conduct self-inspections, which are intended to provide a snapshot of the schools' conditions. However, the findings from these reports indicate serious issues.

For instance, George Washington High School reported evidence of rodent infestations, cracked floor tiles, and inadequate indoor climate control, with only one air conditioning unit functioning in most classrooms. Additionally, two classrooms had to be cordoned off last year due to asbestos risks, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.

Other schools, such as PC Lujon and Vicente Beneventi Middle School, also reported significant maintenance issues, including damaged restroom facilities, inadequate handwashing stations, and pest infestations. Lahan Middle School faced problems with non-functional air conditioning units and shared drainage systems, while Jose Rios Middle School had standing water that could breed mosquitoes.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing these health and safety issues before schools reopen, as the lack of timely public health inspections could exacerbate the already critical conditions reported by the GDOE. The implications of these findings raise serious questions about the readiness of Guam's schools to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff.