Former reporter announces run for Guam education board

(Campaign 2026) Isaiah Aguon, chief of staff and general manager of J. Goodman LLC, has officially picked up his candidacy packet from the Guam Election Commission for a seat on the Guam Education Board, running on a platform focused on accountability, transparency, and student success.

"As a proud graduate of our island’s public school system, I am deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity, support, and resources needed to succeed, while ensuring Guam Department of Education leadership are held accountable and transparent,” Aguon said.

His journey through GDOE was marked by personal resilience. Raised by a single father and having experienced homelessness and the foster care system, he faced significant adversity during his senior year following the passing of his father, Vincent Peter Cruz Aguon.

Despite these challenges, including a lack of 3.5 credits to graduate at the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, he persevered through night school and the school-to-work program. He ultimately graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2020 while working two jobs to support his brothers, Emilio and Calvin.

"I credit much of my success to the 'school-to-work' program at JFKHS," Aguon said. "These experiences demonstrated the importance of practical education and mentorship, opportunities I believe should be accessible to every student in Guam."

His professional background in print, radio, and television news provided him with a firsthand understanding of the concerns facing students, educators, and parents.

During his time covering the education beat, he attended GEB meetings and GDOE leadership briefings, and toured campuses to help disseminate vital information to the public. In addition to his media career, Aguon previously served in the Guam legislature as chief of staff for Sen. Dwayne T.D. San Nicolas and director of Strategic Communications for Legislative Secretary Sabrina Salas Matanane. In these roles, he worked directly with constituents to address the needs of GDOE families and employees.

If elected, Aguon's top priorities include implementing a mandatory “Back to Basics Life Skills” curriculum covering financial literacy, career readiness and health and wellness.

"I am ready to move beyond complaints and take direct action to support our students with integrity, transparency, and accountability," he said.