The Guam Education Policy Board implemented austerity measures during their most recent board meeting.  GEPB Chairman Joe San Agustin says the board directed Department of Education superintendent Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood to place a hiring freeze for positions throughout the agency, as well as stop all traveling which requires using DOE's funds.

The reason for the austerity measures, San Agustin says, is due to the $60 million shortfall he says they have in their Fiscal Year 2010 budget. He adds that the austerity measures will remain in effect until the board agrees on how the money $193 million DOE did receive should be divided.