by Krystal Paco

Guam - Before the Department of Education can even consider redistricting, they're taking a step back to assess student enrollments.

Although this school year enrollment is down from last year with a total count of 31,600 students, trends over a five-year period show an increase of more than 900 students between School Years 2009-2010 and 2013-2014 mostly in the elementary and high school levels.

Also noting the opening of the new charter school this year, DOE confirms approximately 350 students have left the public school system for the Guahan Academy Charter School in Tiyan.

Superintendent Jon Fernandez says looking at these trends will help determine what courses of action are needed to promote student success.