Legislature directs $10M allocation within GDOE budget for facilities and staff; approves continuing-appropriation plan for ARP reimbursements and sports/playg​

The Committee of the Whole of the Guam Legislature approved two related budget changes for the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) on Saturday: (1) an amendment that allocates $10,000,000 out of GDOE’s existing $266,000,000 appropriation specifically for school facilities maintenance, school facilities staff and repairs; and (2) a companion amendment that directs leftover lapse funds used to bridge American Rescue Plan (ARP) reimbursements to remain available and, after ARP liquidation, to be used to refurbish school sports facilities and playgrounds.

Why it matters: Lawmakers said the moves aim to protect progress GDOE reported this year on facilities and to ensure money already appropriated is set aside for maintenance and for projects tied to ARP reimbursement timelines. Multiple senators warned the carve-outs could limit GDOE’s flexibility to cover other urgent needs, including substitute teachers, aides and other personnel.

Most important facts: Senator Vince Borja, the amendment’s author, told colleagues the intent was to ensure a fixed $10,000,000 of the department’s appropriation is reserved for maintenance and repairs. He said the allotment is not new money — it is an allocation out of the…