by Krystal Paco

Guam - Department of Education superintendent-select Jon Fernandez is ready to get to work. In an e-mail statement he says he's signed an amended contract with changes recommended by the Attorney General's Office, saying, "Throughout the negotiation process, there has been a lot of confusion, and, with the attorney general's comments, I am pleased to finally have some clarity and specific guidance. This is all that I have sought from the start, and it's unfortunate that we had to wait so long to reach this point."

The amended contract removes provisions that require the department to pay full premiums for his health insurance as well as the twenty-two days of leave when he begins his job. Fernandez says he now understands that although those provisions are standard throughout the U.S., Guam doesn't allow that flexibility.

He KUAM News that he's talked with Guam Education Board chairman Francis Santos and member Barry Mead confirming his commitment to serving as superintendent and asks for the board's full support when he arrives in mid-June. He also asks that the amended contract be submitted to the AG's Office and Governor Eddie Calvo for review and approval.

Meanwhile, board member Rosie Tainatango tells KUAM Santos canceled a teleconference meet with the superintendent this morning. Tainatango is looking to Santos to call a special board meeting to review the amended contract.