The head of the island’s largest government agency is speaking out amid growing concerns over the performance of Guam Department of Education Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Administrative Services, Morgan Wade Borja Paul, as the agency continues to grapple with a massive financial crisis.

“His displeasure is his displeasure, and it’s noted. Deputy Paul is free to respond as he sees appropriate… Pretty much a personal attack, and I don’t abide with those,” said Dr. Kenneth Swanson. 

Last week, Oversight Chair On Education, Senator Vince Borja, sent a letter to GDOE Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson expressed deepening frustration.

In it, he cites consistently late and deficient financial reporting to policymakers.

He claims GDOE has ignored or delayed federal guidance on appealing millions in federal funds, at a time when the department faces a financial challenge exceeding  $150 million. 

But Swanson maintains that appeals have been submitted for major projects, including renovations at 12 schools, F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, and air conditioning. 

He says GDOE has also submitted appeals for 41 vendor projects, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a million, all within deadlines set by the U.S. Department of Education.

This as the department explores legal avenues, coordinating with American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“We’re not waiting for the answers from US ED—we’re going ahead and working forward with the legal lever because if the appeal doesn’t work, then we’ll immediately be filing with legal action because we have to recover as much of that money as we possibly can,” added Swanson. 

Swanson is also addressing sharp internal criticism. 

Borja claiming GDOE employees have “made it clear that Mr. Paul has not demonstrated the professionalism, urgency, or collaborative spirit necessary to help the department navigate this crisis.”

“I may have to do a freedom of Information Act request to the senator’s office to find out who those folks are, which I am entitled to do, because that is sabotage as far as I’m concerned. We are working within the law, we’re working with legal counsel, we’re working with the legislature, with the senator’s office, along with other senators as well because this is a tough whole-economy challenge,” said Swanson. 

Swanson adds, “It’s going to take all of us to figure it out together.”