It’s a goal set by the superintendent of the Guam Department of Education: To have all public school students back at their home campuses by Sept. 30.

But now, two days past that deadline, the question remains: Did GDOE make it?

The short answer: Not just yet. As inspections at Inarajan Middle School and Chief Brodie Elementary are still inching toward completion.

Yet, during Tuesday's oversight hearing with lawmakers, GDOE Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson remained confident, assuring they're close to the finish line.

“I would anticipate those will take just one day–and we should have those results within the week,” said Swanson.

Swanson also confirmed Southern High School completed its sanitary inspections last Friday. Still, those results haven’t been released, however, talk of good news is in the pipeline for the Home of the Dolphins.

“Generally speaking, up until about the close of business–like, if I were to get that information right now, we would activate for Thursday—the kids would go back to school–because it takes a day to stand up transportation, food service and those logistical supports. We’re ready to do that as soon as we get the word,” said Swanson.

But even when GDOE finishes the race, they’re up for another lap as the reinspection cycle of schools already with sanitary permits continues with Tamuning Elementary School, Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary, C.L. Taitano Elementary, Agana Heights Elementary, and Adacao Elementary Schools slated for this month.

“We’re starting into a cycle of monthly reinspections–so many of these are going to be inspected before the due date so that we get on to a cycle of having two or three a month, year round,” added Swanson.