Guam Legislature advances bill to let Department of Education lease underused school property amid debate on lease terms

Senators on the Guam Legislature took up Bill 70-38, an act to add a new subsection to Title 17 of the Guam Code that would authorize the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) to lease underused or unoccupied school properties, create a procurement team to approve leases, and direct lease revenue into a fund separate from the general fund for reinvestment in schools.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Shlaugustin, said the measure is intended to “turn underutilized or unoccupied school properties into possibilities for advancement, sustainability, and reinvestment in our educational system.” He told colleagues that the bill would allow GDOE to execute longer-term leases beyond the short-term community-use fee schedule authorized in Public Law 23-67 and that “every dollar generated from these leases will help to repair leaking roofs, plumbing, upgrades to classrooms, and provide better learning environments for our students.”

The bill as introduced sets a minimum lease price at 90% of appraised value, creates a procurement team, and directs revenue to a fund separate from the general fund that requires Board of Education approval to expend funds for school reinvestment.

Nut graf: Supporters said the bill aims to create a new revenue stream to maintain and upgrade school facilities; opponents pressed for stricter guardrails after amendments were proposed that would allow certain lessees to pay less than the 90% appraisal floor or use appropriated funds to make payments. Lawmakers adopted some amendments and rejected others; final disposition of the bill was deferred when the session recessed until 9 a.m. the following day.

Key actions and amendments

- Motion to place Bill 70-38 on third reading: Senator Shlaugustin moved the bill to third reading and was recognized to proceed with debate.

- Procurement-team membership amendment (proffered on behalf of Senator Tina Rose Muñoz Barnes): The…