Declining student population prompts talks about facility realignment
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The Office of Public Accountability has initiated an analysis of the Guam Department of Education’s school facilities vis-à-vis student enrollment to guide ongoing talks about structural reorganization.
"Its preliminary objective is to determine whether the current student population aligns with the number, capacity and utilization of existing school facilities, and whether decommissioning, consolidation, repurposing or other alternatives may be necessary," the OPA said.
Discussions about facility use review were prompted a steady decline in public school enrolment. Records show that the number of students dropped from 26,600 in 2020 to 23,121 in 2025.
The OPA analysis will cover all operating public school facilities and student enrollment through School Year 2024–2025.
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“This analysis is intended to provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between student enrollment and the capacity and utilization of our public-school facilities,” Public Auditor Benjamin J.F. Cruz said.
OPA said it will examine relevant information and documentation concerning school facilities, enrollment, school budgets, deferred maintenance and applicable laws, rules, regulations and management directives.
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The process will also involve interviews to better understand the functions and operations of GDOE’s school facilities and student enrollment.
OPA will conduct the analysis in collaboration with the GDOE Internal Audit Office. The scope and objectives may be adjusted as additional information is obtained and evaluated throughout the engagement.
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“Examining these factors can help inform discussions about the effective use of government resources and the future needs of Guam’s public schools, whether it be rebuilding Simon Sanchez High School or decommissioning existing schools," Cruz said.
The analysis comes amid ongoing public discussion about school enrollment and the utilization of existing school facilities.
OPA’s work will examine the available information to help establish an informed basis for evaluating potential options and considerations for GDOE’s school facilities.
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