Parents and teachers object to FAFSA as a graduation requirement; DOE offers outreach and waiver option

Parents and teachers at the Teesen town hall raised strong objections to a recent requirement that seniors complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a condition for graduation. Keoni Blas said the requirement risks withholding diplomas from students who lack parental tax filings or a bank account and called the policy a "hurdle" for some families.

Timothy McDowell, a career-technical instructor at Teesen, warned that requiring FAFSA completion could compel families to disclose detailed financial information and, he argued, could operate as a de facto forced loan application for some students. "This law is forcing the parents of our students to apply for a student loan," McDowell said at the town hall, stressing concerns about privacy and consent.

Barbara Adamas, acting deputy superintendent of educational support and community learning, told the audience DOE is preparing outreach and assistance. She described plans for counselors, high school administrators and partners at Guam Community College and the University of Guam to set up sites where families can seek help completing the FAFSA and to explain its benefits. Adamas also said DOE will offer a waiver process: if a student or family declines or cannot complete FAFSA after outreach, a signed waiver can be recorded and the principal will confirm the waiver for the student’s graduation requirement.

Officials at the meeting did not propose immediate repeal of the requirement; senators said they would review concerns and could pursue legislative changes but made no commitment to repeal. DOE officials emphasized assistance and outreach to reduce barriers and noted previous underutilization of federal financial aid on the island.

The town hall captured both procedural and privacy concerns and a clear plan from DOE to provide community assistance and a waiver pathway while lawmakers consider potential statutory changes.