The Guam Legislature unanimously passed a bill Friday that would unlock approximately $77 million in previously restricted and lapsed funds for the Guam Department of Education, sending the measure to Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero for her signature ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
Bill 309-38, authored by Sen. Vincent A.V. Borja and co-sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of nine senators, amends existing law to give GDOE flexibility to deploy the funds across pressing priorities including storm recovery, aging infrastructure, outstanding contractor bills and the reopening of F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School.
The $77 million breaks down as approximately $26 million in prior-year lapsed GDOE funds and $51 million in American Rescue Plan reimbursements identified in GDOE's FY2024 financial audit.
A top priority is the approximately $10 million needed to reopen FBLG, covering fire suppression, alarm and bell systems, cafeteria equipment, classroom furniture, gym repairs and IT infrastructure. GDOE Deputy Superintendent for Finance Franklin Leon Guerrero told lawmakers that procurements are "waiting in the wings" and the department is prepared to encumber and expend the funds within the fiscal year.
"$77 million belongs in our classrooms, not in limbo," Borja said. "Bill 309-38 meets this moment by giving the Department the flexibility to repair storm-damaged campuses, pay outstanding contractor bills, and get our schools ready for SY 26-27."
The bill requires quarterly expenditure reports to the Legislature. Co-sponsors include Sens. Christopher Dueñas, Tina Rose Muña-Barnes, Jesse Lujan, Sabrina Salas Matanane, Vice Speaker V. Anthony Ada, Speaker Frank F. Blas Jr., Shelly Calvo and Joe San Agustin.