by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Lawmakers are likely to be called into special session next week to act on Bill 257 that seeks to keep F.Q. Sanchez Elementary School open for the coming school year. With the new school year set to begin in less than two weeks, the bill's author Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. wants his colleagues to take up the legislation immediately.

The measure would appropriate funding to keep the school operational at least for the 2011-2012 school year. Rodriguez's request may be granted but only if the committee report on the bill is filed and if he obtains the governor's position on the legislation. "I met with the governor before he left to Pohnpei and he had expressed to me that he support this bill and he supports reopening F.Q. Sanchez," said the senator.

The Guam Education Board recently voted to close the school saying it cost too much money to run it. Rodriguez is optimistic that the committee report on his bill that is currently with the appropriations committee will be turned in by the end of the week. Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz indicated that special session would likely be called for next Tuesday at 9am.