It’s probably the number one item on the Simon Sanchez High School Sharks’ holiday wish list this year: A brand-new campus and an end to the double sessions at John F. Kennedy High School.

Even teachers at JFK are hoping for a solution, acknowledging the challenges the current schedule presents for both the Sharks and the Islander communities.

“With us, there really is no clear answer–and our school community is just thinking: Sanchez hasn’t been rebuilt yet, and the groundbreaking hasn’t even happened–so we’re kind of wondering how long? We just want to know what the plan was,” said one JFK Teacher.

Last Thursday, the JFK Teacher-Student Association met with Guam Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson to discuss updates on the future of the double session schedule.

“The superintendent did say he is committed to try to end the double session for this school year–but as you know, there’s a lot of things that can happen,” said the teacher.

Despite the commitment, this teacher said there’s still no clear plan for how or when the double sessions will end, though some possibilities have been shared.

“This whole thing with waiting for FEMA–I think he was talking about waiting for funding to see whether he can use some of the funding to find a temporary place for Sanchez, and also too–there’s another option with FBLG being fixed and all that possibility for Sanchez double sessions with F.B. since it’s the same in Yigo,” said the teacher.

KUAM reached out to GDOE Superintendent Dr. Swanson for more information on the Simon Sanchez High School rebuild.

In a statement, the superintendent said in part, “We are actively collaborating with the Department of Public Works and the construction manager to ensure they are continuously updated on program needs. They are currently addressing several aspects of the project that are not appropriate for me to discuss in detail. However, I can assure you that the work plan is on track, and the entire team is working diligently to keep the project moving forward smoothly.”

Department of Public Works Director Vince Arriola also shared insight into the project’s status.

“There’s a lot of due diligence going on right now, and I think that one of the most important things we’re looking at is the constructability of the school,” said Arriola. “We’re looking at ways to make sure it’s efficient, stays within code, cost-effective, and built right for longevity.”

As for when the groundbreaking might take place?

“We’re way too early there,” added Arriola.

Arriola added that a crucial next step in the process is releasing a Request For Proposal for the financing and construction of the new campus, a move hoping to move the process along faster.