Guam Education Department gains authority to lease underutilized properties for revenue generation
October 01, 2025 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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In a pivotal session of the 38th Guam Legislature held on October 1, 2025, lawmakers discussed Bill 770, which aims to empower the Guam Department of Education (DOE) to lease underutilized properties within its jurisdiction. This legislation, introduced by a coalition of senators, including Vice Speaker Tony Anna and Senator Tina Monye Barnes, seeks to address the pressing needs of the education system by transforming vacant school facilities into revenue-generating assets.
The bill, which has undergone several amendments since its initial introduction, outlines specific provisions for leasing properties. Notably, it stipulates that leases can only be executed if the school facilities cannot be utilized to alleviate double sessions. Additionally, the minimum lease amount is set at 60% of the appraised property value, ensuring that the DOE receives fair compensation for its assets.
A significant aspect of the bill is the establishment of a procurement team composed of the DOE superintendent, chief financial officer, and members of the Guam Board of Education. This team will oversee the leasing process, ensuring compliance with procurement laws and facilitating the effective management of lease agreements. Importantly, revenue generated from these leases will not enter the general fund but will be allocated to a separate fund dedicated to maintaining and improving educational facilities.
Supporters of the bill, including Senator Barnes, emphasized the potential for leasing to generate much-needed revenue for the DOE, which can be reinvested into critical maintenance and renovation projects. This initiative is seen as a strategic move to utilize existing resources more effectively, addressing long-standing issues within the public education system.
The discussions highlighted a collective commitment among lawmakers to enhance educational infrastructure and provide better learning environments for students. As the bill progresses, it represents a significant step towards innovative solutions for the challenges facing Guam's educational landscape. The anticipated next steps include further deliberation and a vote on the bill, which could reshape how the DOE manages its properties and finances in the years to come.
The bill, which has undergone several amendments since its initial introduction, outlines specific provisions for leasing properties. Notably, it stipulates that leases can only be executed if the school facilities cannot be utilized to alleviate double sessions. Additionally, the minimum lease amount is set at 60% of the appraised property value, ensuring that the DOE receives fair compensation for its assets.
A significant aspect of the bill is the establishment of a procurement team composed of the DOE superintendent, chief financial officer, and members of the Guam Board of Education. This team will oversee the leasing process, ensuring compliance with procurement laws and facilitating the effective management of lease agreements. Importantly, revenue generated from these leases will not enter the general fund but will be allocated to a separate fund dedicated to maintaining and improving educational facilities.
Supporters of the bill, including Senator Barnes, emphasized the potential for leasing to generate much-needed revenue for the DOE, which can be reinvested into critical maintenance and renovation projects. This initiative is seen as a strategic move to utilize existing resources more effectively, addressing long-standing issues within the public education system.
The discussions highlighted a collective commitment among lawmakers to enhance educational infrastructure and provide better learning environments for students. As the bill progresses, it represents a significant step towards innovative solutions for the challenges facing Guam's educational landscape. The anticipated next steps include further deliberation and a vote on the bill, which could reshape how the DOE manages its properties and finances in the years to come.
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