Monday saw a lively discussion with three of the five applicants vying to become the next Guam Department of Education superintendent — all current or former deputy superintendents who shared common ground on several key issues.

From teacher recruitment and retention to long-term support for aging facilities—GDOE  superintendent applicants Erika Cruz, Joe Sanchez, and Dr. Barbara Adamos laid out how they plan to tackle these challenges if selected. Candidates Dr. Judith Won Pat and Kenneth Perez were unable to attend Monday’s press conference due to prior commitments.

On teacher shortages, the three shared similar views. Sanchez stressing the value of mentorship and local partnerships, saying, “Students who are currently at the University of Guam. So now we can support students who are currently students who are trying to major in education. We intend to expand that as well to the Guam Community College."

Cruz echoing that approach, adding the need for off-island recruitment and incentives for hard-to-fill roles. “We talked about hard-to-fill positions such as special education, English language learning, science, and math–these are positions that are critical–and we need to provide incentives for these critical positions," she said.

Adamos, drawing from her experience as a teacher, emphasizing peer support, saying, “If you don’t have teachers training teachers–teachers being able to voice their concerns to other teachers and not voicing concerns to administrators, fearing the possible risk of repercussions or judgment, teachers are what will help to keep you staying in the profession.”

On facilities, Cruz called for dedicated, long-term funding and partnerships with DoDEA. Adamos highlighted the need for assessments of the 18 schools not undergoing refurbishment, while Sanchez agreed with both.

The Guam Education Board is set to meet on October 21, when a decision on the next superintendent could be made.