by Krystal Paco

Guam - The lack of a collective bargaining agreement for teachers and support staff at schools is leaving the Guam Federation of Teachers frustrated.

Before Guam Education Board members at last night's regular meeting, George Washington High School teacher Lisa Moser spoke on bullying among her peers at the Mangilao campus.

"Since we haven't had a contract and been under the spirit of the contract, we've seen an increase in bullying by certain administrators throughout all of our schools and we especially have that problem at George Washington High School we are simply told in past administration before it changed in May, we were told for 10 years that if you don't like it, find another job" she said.

Also voicing his impatience, GFT president Tim Fedenko says he's ready to go back to the negotiating table.

"Getting together and working together to make a contract to protect kids. Like the issues you've seen, the issues you've heard about. Class sizes. Safe schools. Safety. Things like that. Kids are riding on the floor of buses. We're willing to negotiate. We work well together," he said.

Meanwhile, the support staff contract has been negotiated but it has yet to be determined whether GFT has the exclusive recognition to negotiate on behalf of school clerks and school aides.

And although proof of exclusive recognition exists for GFT to represent teachers, a contract has yet to be negotiated.

DOE superintendent Jon Fernandez assured both that DOE leadership continues to listen to teachers and administrators to work together on behalf of the island's school children.