Guam Education Board Chair Angel Sablan is reacting to another shift in policy from the U.S. Department of Education, a decision that could revive access to COVID-19 relief funds for critical projects once thought lost for good.

“The important thing to note is that these projects, equipment, and or expenditures from the ARPA have already been obligated. And the obligation period is over anyway. So, it’s going to become a reimbursement–we’re still getting clarification from USDOE,” said Sablan. 

The clarification he’s seeking? Whether GDOE will now need to use local funds upfront and seek reimbursement from USDOE later.

This reimbursement process was the proposed method in place before March 28, the same process U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recently approved to resume in a letter to applicable jurisdictions.

“The good thing is that they’re allowing us to open again the period for liquidation,” added Sablan. 

As critical projects remain in the appeals process with USDOE, Sablan says he still needs clarity on whether GDOE must re-submit for reimbursement or continue with the appeals under this new guidance.

“I don’t think it’s going to continue on as an appeal, because they’ve changed the dates and have removed the appeal period. So, we’ll get clarity on that,” said Sablan. 

Sablan also notes GDOE must ensure these obligations and reimbursements are strictly COVID-related, and not linked to Typhoon Mawar.

While he hopes to get answers from Wednesday’s meeting with USDOE, Sablan says this policy change could potentially ease tension and worry for GDOE.

KUAM will have more tomorrow with GDOE Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson following his meeting with the feds.