Sen. Vincent Borja has introduced legislation aimed at changing how the Guam Education Board is selected, saying the proposal comes after months of feedback from the community.
Bill 286-38 (COR) would reform the governance structure of the Guam Department of Education by transitioning the current hybrid board model to a fully appointed board, with members selected by the governor and the Guam Legislature.
The bill would also allow the board to appoint a youth representative between the ages of 18 and 25, giving recent graduates and young leaders a voice in board discussions.
Borja said the proposal reflects concerns raised by parents, teachers, administrators and community members during town halls, oversight hearings and meetings held over the past year.
“The public has been very clear in their feedback,” Borja said. “Parents, teachers, administrators and community members have raised concerns about the current governance structure. This bill is a direct response to those conversations.”
Borja added that calls for reform have also come from individuals who previously served within the education system.
“In addition to hearing from parents and educators, we’ve also heard former Guam Education Board chairs and former education leaders publicly call for changes to the governance structure,” he said.
The senator emphasized the legislation is not meant to assign blame, but to evaluate whether changes could improve stability and accountability within the department.
“This is not about pointing fingers,” Borja said. “It’s about listening to the community and asking whether there are ways to improve the system so that decisions are more stable and the focus stays on improving outcomes for students.”
Borja said the bill is intended to start a broader discussion about the future of education governance on Guam.
A public hearing on Bill 286-38 (COR) is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks, with educators, parents and community members encouraged to participate.