Superintendent makes his stance clear

by Krystal Paco

Guam - In response to criticisms from Senator Ben Pangelinan, Department of Education superintendent Jon Fernandez makes his stance clear.

In a letter addressed to the senator, Fernandez says he was both "surprised and taken aback" reminding that the reason for the Tiyan purchase is primarily to address the population challenge at George Washington High School and that the lease and purchase negotiations are not under his purview or authority, which is why he has not taken any position on the terms of the lease or purchase.

As for DOE Central Offices, Fernandez reminds Pangelinan that his earlier preference was for DOE Central Offices to remain in Hagatna, but when asking for funds to address the deteriorating conditions of the building, no funds were provided, as the impression is that the building would be torn down for the Hagatna restoration project.

Rounding out his letter, Fernandez asks that elected officials put students first by working together to identify funding to address Simon Sanchez High School repairs, help address overcrowding at George Washington High School, and fund a masters facilities plan and identify funding to meet deferred maintenance challenge at all public schools as well as ensure politics play no part in how we promote success to our children.