4-day instructional weeks offered as option

by Nick Delgado

Guam - Four-day instructional weeks and a freeze on annual increments are part of the proposals that the Department of Education have come up with in an effort to cut costs. The Austerity Committee today met with principals to get their input about ways they can save money, while continuing to provide a quality education to students.

DOE Superintendent Dr. Nerissa Underwood says they will be compiling the suggestions in the surveys from the principals and have a full report for the Guam Education Policy Board by January 24. She adds that they are currently updating the Evergreen Solutions management audit conducted a couple of years ago so that those plans too can finally be implemented.

"They required policy decision for example we do have an existing law that prevents is from hiring any more maintenance or cafeteria workers because they want us to transition into full privatization that was also the recommendation of Evergreen," Underwood said.

She added that cost-cutting recommendations will be sent to the governor once approved by the GEPB.