UPDATE: The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is in turmoil as it grapples with severe funding losses, school closures, and a significant leadership change. Following the permanent closure of Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary School and Lyndon Baines Johnson Elementary School in May, GDOE faces its most critical financial crisis in decades.
As of December 2025, GDOE reported a staggering loss of about $27 million in federal education grants, risking nearly $150 million more. The financial fallout has exposed deep-rooted issues in grant management and procurement, triggering immediate hiring and travel freezes across the department.
Education Superintendent Erik Swanson announced his resignation effective December 20, 2025, citing health reasons. Swanson, who took the helm in July 2023, struggled with longstanding operational challenges, including procurement delays and fiscal mismanagement. Before leaving, he urged continued support for public education in a letter to the Pacific Daily News, emphasizing the need for equity and collaboration.
In a drastic move, the GDOE Board appointed former speaker and educator Judi Won Pat as the new superintendent, starting in 2026. This leadership shift comes amid escalating concerns that GDOE’s financial instability could jeopardize educational services for approximately 24,000 students in the upcoming school year.
The expired funding included critical programs for special education and student services, which went unspent due to administrative failures. GDOE officials confirmed that the loss of $26,877,038.76 in unused federal funds represents missed opportunities for infrastructure improvements, student programs, and teacher resources.
Senator Vince Borja, chair of the education committee, expressed alarm over the lost funds and called for a roundtable to discuss the implications. “This lapse in funding means missed opportunities for our students,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for strategic oversight.
In addition to the lost grants, GDOE faces a projected deficit of between $38 million and $40 million for fiscal 2026. The U.S. Department of Education has already slashed GDOE’s consolidated grant funding by 26%, dropping from $35.8 million in fiscal 2024 to $26.48 million in fiscal 2025.
The funding freeze has significant ramifications, delaying after-school care, teacher training, and essential programs for English language learners. As GDOE struggles to manage its cash flow, the department is under pressure to front project costs with local funds under the American Rescue Plan, which adds to the financial strain.
In a recent audit by the Pacific Policy Research Center, GDOE achieved full accreditation across all schools but continues to face critical issues such as procurement delays and staffing shortages. The audit highlighted that GDOE’s average high school English Language Arts proficiency stands at just 31%, below the department’s target of 80% for the fifth consecutive year.
Moving forward, the GDOE Board has halted action on a $400,000 management and curriculum audit due to identified inaccuracies. The board’s request for corrections emphasizes the precarious state of governance within the department.
As GDOE prepares for another school year under financial distress, stakeholders are closely watching how these developments will impact education in Guam. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are anticipated as GDOE navigates this unprecedented crisis.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this situation develops.
