by Krystal Paco

Guam - There's evidently a gap in communication between the Guam Education Board and George Washington High School stakeholders. GW teachers feel they were left out of the board's recent decision to add additional classes per school year.

"This is getting rather old. Last minute find out what you're going to be doing. You want to prep during the summer," said social studies teacher Lisa Moser. She's one of dozens of GW teachers who voiced their concerns with next year's bell schedule. Moser's biggest gripe: a lack of consistency with the bell schedule. In the 22 years she's been an educator, she's seen it all, from traditional scheduling where she sees students every day to block schedules where she sees students every other day.

Back in February, the board voted to change the high school bell schedule resulting in two additional classes. It's a schedule that band teacher Max Ronquillo maintains was opposed by teachers, saying, "The morale of the teachers is really low we feel like we're not being listened to - our opinions don't count and here we are we're going to do our best."

Education Board chairman Francis Santos was the only member who showed up today. "My job here today is to listen to your concerns and how can we move forward," he said.

Music teacher Mike Clement said, "I came here today believing the board was going to be here. Instead, I hear you in all respect Francis saying that you can't speak for the board. And we're asking about the gap in communication.

"The board is not communicating and the board is not listening."

Guam history teacher Francine Clement says the 4-x-4 scheduling won't increase student achievement as she believes the bigger issue that must be addressed is the facilities. "Some classrooms like my room is 86 degrees every day can student achievement rise or is it just the temperature going to continue to rise? Sir, those issues must be addressed first," she stated.

The board changed the schedule to comply with a public law that requires more Chamorro curriculum and to allow for more elective classes and providing leeway for failing students to graduate. But 11th grader Alistina Wheaton believes students will suffer with the new bell schedule, saying, "Kids can't handle 3-x-3. I see a lot of people failing saying they can't handle all the stress and it's only six classes. How are eight classes going to help you?"

English and business teacher Patti Diego hopes the board will reconsider what is best for the Mangilao school's biggest stakeholders - the students. "I'm sure that all the teachers here would agree will take and teach whatever schedule as long as it is in the best interest and we can see that," she said.

Santos committed to relaying their concerns to the board when they revisit the bell schedule issue at a future meeting.