Lawmakers on Thursday unanimously passed Bill 312-38 (COR) in an emergency session, advancing legislation that would exempt the Guam Department of Education from the statutory requirement of 180 instructional days for the 2025-2026 school year following disruptions caused by Typhoon Sinlaku.
The measure, introduced by Vincent A. Borja and co-sponsored by several senators, was approved 12-0 with three senators excused.
During session, Borja said the bill was urgently needed to prevent financial and contractual complications stemming from school closures caused by the typhoon. He said the superintendent of education warned lawmakers during a public hearing Wednesday that failing to pass the legislation could cost the government of Guam an estimated $3 million in additional expenses tied to extending the school year.
“This is not only an educational issue, but also a fiscal issue that requires swift action by this body,” Borja said.
The bill would allow GDOE to waive the instructional day requirement after schools across Guam lost several days of classroom instruction due to storm-related closures. Lawmakers noted that some schools were closed for up to five days.
Sen. Sabina Perez proposed an amendment to extend a reporting deadline related to student learning-loss interventions from June 30 to Nov. 30. She argued educators would need more time after summer break to assess the effectiveness of academic recovery efforts.
“As an educator, I think a lot of the interventions happen right after when they come into school,” Perez said during the session.
The amendment was adopted without objection.
Lawmakers also discussed assurances from the superintendent that mitigation measures would be implemented to address potential learning loss resulting from missed instructional days.
The bill was moved to third reading and passed without engrossment before final approval by the Legislature.