BBMR: schools will remain open next week

by Michele Catahay

Guam - Schools will not be closed next week, and the Department of Education will have enough money to get through this fiscal year.  Bureau of Budget Management & Research Director Bertha Duenas says the agency has enough money to certify payroll for the next two pay periods.

She adds that BBMR will also release $2 million in appropriations and another $840,000 to pay prior year obligations.  DOE Superintendent Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood says the department also eliminated a 3.5% pay increase for teachers, which helped reduce costs.  That raise will take effect in October, when the new fiscal year starts.