“This is a big recurring problem and the question always pops to mind on whether we will have our campus back,” said Guam Youth Congress representative Kirsten Cruz, a Simon Sanchez High student. 

Cruz and other representatives spoke out during a session recently, questioning when government officials will prioritize rebuilding the home of the sharks and when the double session at JFK will end. 

Floor leader Austin Gaizmer Fortuno said the status quo is unacceptable. 

He said, “The prospect of having Simon Sanchez high school students be in double session until the completion of their new campus, which is likely 4 to 5 years away especially with the reported delays in construction, is unacceptable.” 

This comes as teachers, parents and students from both schools aired their frustrations to senators during a three hour long town hall meeting in Yigo last week. 

Fortuno said, “The lack of a clear plan and the extension of the construction project deadline only deepens the anxiety within both school communities. It is imperative that swift and transparent actions are taken to address these concerns and safeguard the educational experience of Guam's youth.”

He added the possibility of GDOE consolidating public schools and the delayed deadline for a bid proposal makes the uncertainty worse. 

It's the uncertainty and fear that has representative Trevan Atoigue, a freshman at JFK, speaking out. 

“I also have a fear of not learning the stuff that I need to move on to the next grade. If and when I do move on, I am not going to be able to remember all those stuff because it was rushed through those double session days, expressed Atoigue. 

These concerns are making waves, reaching Guam Congressman James Moylan. 

He’s exploring federal solutions, requesting the U.S. Department of Education and the US Army Corps of Engineers for technical and financial assistance to identify a temporary campus until Sanchez gets rebuilt. 

The delegate also plans to reach out to the Department of Defense education activity for a solution.