Fernandez looks to DOI for funding

by Krystal Paco

Guam - Less than a week on the job and new DOE superintendent Jon Fernandez is looking for avenues to put more money into the classrooms. In a letter dated today to the Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs Tony Babauta, Fernandez requests that $2.8 million in additional Compact impact funding provided by Congress and the Obama Administration go for education related purposes.

$1.2 million goes to fund school equipment and supplies to be distributed throughout the island's 40 public schools; $1.3 million to fund school upgrades and improvements in 35 public schools in preparation for the upcoming school year; $150,000 for eligible school improvement priorities identified by the superintendent; and $150,000 to fund one procurement attorney position and related administrative expenses.

In the past this funding was used to purchase school busses, provide technical assistance, and financial training.