The Guam Department of Education has paid more than $18.5 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) vendor invoices, clearing all past-due bills, officials announced this week. The disbursement includes $17.5 million to resolve outstanding CoreTech bills accumulated while ARP funding was on hold.
According to GDOE, the payments made last week totaled $18,573,475.87. Vendors receiving payments included S.T. Corporation, Johndel International, M80 Office Systems, Rainbow Paint Supply, Allstart Inc. dba QUA, Medpharm, De Vera Lopez, Meilbert, Hive Guam, Follett Content Solutions, Guam Power Authority and Savvas Learning Company.
Superintendent Dr. K. Erik Swanson said the move reflects more than balancing the department’s books. “These payments represent more than just clearing our books — they represent an investment back into our community,” Swanson said in the release. “The funds ultimately flow into Guam’s economy.”
The department said the payments mark a significant step toward stabilizing its vendor relationships and ensuring continuity in educational services across the island.