The fight for federal support for the Guam Department of Education is far from over. 

Congressman James Moylan had just five minutes to speak with U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon during a recent House Committee on Education hearing.

McMahon reiterated this in response to Moylan's line of questioning about how the administration plans to invest in Guam's students and schools:

“I really do look forward to our meeting. I  think I can address things better by sitting down and having a better understanding of your issues,” said McMahon. 

As previously reported by KUAM, GDOE is in the process of appealing a U.S. Department of Education decision denying its request to extend the liquidation period for American Rescue Plan funds, leaving critical projects in limbo. 

According to Education Committee Oversight Chair Senator Vince Borja, GDOE now needs approximately $26 million to complete the refurbishments at George Washington High School and F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, plus millions more to pay 92 ARP-related vendors.

It's a pressing matter that Moylan says he intends to raise directly with mcmahon, highlighting the combined impacts of COVID-19, Typhoon Mawar, and the burden of double sessions.

“We do need the help of the federal government, and because of the unity we have with the administration, the agencies, and the senators, we have this one voice to push forward with the hard work of my team that is moving this as well–to do the best we can and that’s what we’re pushing really hard–we’re not giving up,” said Moylan. 

While local leaders continue weighing options to support GDOE, Moylan says he’s prepared to move to a backup plan if the appeal is unsuccessful.

“We will also be working closely with the secretary to see where we can get additional help in providing for our schools, the refurbishment of our schools, in addition to any other assistance they have. We’ll work hard on the federal side of what else we can do, and I’m sure back home our administration will be working hard as well to see how our budget can assist,” said Moylan. 

Moylan also plans to advocate for increased support for special education specialists in the island’s public schools. 

This, as President Trump’s “skinny” budget, proposes a 15% cut to the U.S. Department of Education. While Title I and Special Education funding would remain flat, the administration is proposing to consolidate these programs into block grants, giving states broad discretion to redirect funds without federal oversight.

Meanwhile, Moylan says he has extended an invitation to Secretary McMahon to visit Guam's public schools, as a one-on-one meeting between the two is currently in the works.