It appears that Dr. Judith Won Pat's last day as the Chief Executive Officer for Guahan Academy Charter School was Monday instead of Nov. 3. Won Pat has decided to leave GACS for personal reasons, after serving as the chief executive officer for three years.

"You know that COVID has really affected the instructional learning time for all children," she said. "And I saw this and heard about it when teachers and parents were sharing, but I saw it first hand with my grandson, when he was online and he couldn't just stay focused. And that is why we knew that we needed to get the kids back and that too for my grandson and he is having a really difficult time. And I figured all these years I've been in the education field and in politics I always put children first. And my gosh I have to put my grandson first too."

Won Pat confirmed with KUAM News exclusively Monday that she turned in her resignation, making her last day originally Wednesday, Nov. 3. But the GACS board had a different plan.

"But apparently it wasn't accepted, because when I announced to the staff that my last day is on Nov. 3rd and that it was about 2 – 2:30 when I met with the teachers," she said. "And then at 4 or 5 o'clock, I get this email that there is going to be this executive meeting to discuss my resignation and do an exit interview but further on they basically said that I have to turn in all GACS property and to disable my email."

Won Pat said there are no hard feelings with the board's decision to make her last day Monday instead.

Meanwhile, Siñot Dominic Leon Guerrero, who is one of the CHamoru Language and Culture teachers at the Home of the Starfish, says Won Pat's resignation was a shock to all, including Dominic Leon Guerrero, GACS CHamoru language and culture teacher.

"Well me personally, it came as a surprise. Yeah, we weren't expecting it. But her reasons to move on, me personally I respect it," he shared.

In Won Pat's three-year tenure at the school, GACS earned accreditation, received much-needed learning equipment, materials, and supplies, and developed a COVID–19 safety and screening testing plan. She also created a spending budget plan for federal funds.

"She hopped on board, steered us in the right direction that made us get accredited for sure," Leon Guerrero said.

Won Pat made it clear that she will not be making her way to Adelup. She also said that she is not considering running for senator in the 37th Guam legislature. However, she says she will continue to serve in the community as a board member of Victims Advocates Reaching Out or VARO Guam.

As KUAM News reported, Dean of Secondary Education Linda Hernandez Avilla has been appointed as school principal, by the GACS board. They are also in the process of hiring an assistant principal.

"My final words to Dr. Won Pat is Un Dangkulo' Na Si Yu'os Ma'åse for all you've done for us here at Guahan Academy," Leon Guerrero said. "And may our sainas continue to guide you on your future endeavors."