by Michele Catahay

Guam - The Guam Education Policy Board is expected to approve a supplemental budget for the Guam Public School System totaling over $20 million during its meeting this evening at the DOE Conference Room in Hagatna. Board Chair Joe San Agustin says DOE needs money for operations to include GPA promissory notes and retirement benefits for employees.

San Agustin says they will also be discussing DOE's budget request for 2011, saying, "We do have a shortfall and it's not because we gave the teachers a pay raise. It has nothing to do with that. The shortfall was up front the day they passed the budget. Then we're going to pass the proposed budget tonight and I say proposed budget because we're going to ask for $268 million."

San Agustin says while DOE says it needs $268 million for next school year, the number will probably go down to $255 million. In the meantime, the board is also expected to hold an election of officers tonight.