The Committee of the Whole approved an amendment to reappropriate $481,578 to the University of Guam Press to develop, localize and print textbooks and instructional materials tailored to Guam students, the chamber decided without objection.

Lawmakers said the change is intended to produce curriculum materials that reflect Guam’s history, language and culture and to reduce long-term textbook costs for the Guam Department of Education.

Senator Borah, sponsor of the amendment, said the funds will be directed to “development, localization, and production of textbooks and instructional materials tailored to the unique needs of our island.” The amendment requires the University of Guam Press to submit quarterly reports to the superintendent detailing activities and expenditures tied to the appropriation.

Senator Perez told the committee she had received a letter of support from the Guam Department of Education signed by Dr. Kenneth Swanson and by Victoria Lola Leon Guerrero, director of publishing at the University of Guam Press. Perez read parts of the letter saying the project will be “transformative for thousands of students and teachers” and that locally produced books can yield “tremendous cost savings” because GDOE will own the books and print them at lower cost than purchases from off-island vendors.

Other senators voiced support on grounds of identity and classroom relevance. Senator Barnett said elementary students learn better when materials reflect their communities, and urged colleagues to approve textbooks that let children “see Chamorro kids looking back at you.” Senator Lujan described the amendment as an investment in local talent and professional development for teachers. Several senators noted the project previously began under grant funding and has been in progress for years.

Committee members described the initial rollout as focused on kindergarten through third grade, with design work for fourth and fifth grades underway and a goal to complete printing in fiscal 2025–2026, according to the DOE materials cited on the floor. Senators noted the work will leverage resources of the Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center.

The amendment passed by voice vote after the sponsor’s closing remarks and the chair’s call for objections produced none.

Implementation details approved on the floor include the quarterly reporting requirement to the superintendent and authorization that the Press may produce print, digital and audio formats; the amendment text also states the funds are to be used for development, localization and production only.

The committee did not specify a procurement schedule on the floor; senators said printing and final design work are expected to continue through 2025 and 2026.