In Fiscal Year 2026, the charter schools program is set to receive a $60 million funding boost, standing in stark contrast to the Trump Administration’s proposal to cut the Department of Education’s budget by about 15%.

With the Guam Department of Education still facing federal and local financial strains, Guam Education Board member Dr. Judith Guthertz is floating a bold idea: Temporarily redesignating GDOE campuses as “special charter schools.”

“If this were to work out, George Washington charter high school, or Chief Brodie charter middle school,” said Dr. Guthertz. 

She points to potential benefits: access to federal funds, financial relief to the Government of Guam, and increased administrative flexibility, empowering schools to operate with more autonomy.

“With the principals empowered to manage their budget, to spend their funds, and the school parent-teacher association sort of acting like the school council, similar to what the school board does,” added Guthertz.

Guthertz, a former senator herself, notes that legislation would be needed to authorize the redesignation, with a sunset clause of three to five years. 

She adds that the current charter school council will maintain oversight of the seven already established charter schools, while reducing GEB’s role to ensure compliance with laws and curriculum.

“GDOE will be designated as a regulatory entity to oversee the 41 public schools that would be identified as charter schools,” said Guthertz. 

She also flags challenges: A complex legal transition, potential contract renegotiations for teachers and staff, and public concern over perceived privatization of education.

Meantime, in a separate proposal, Guthertz suggests temporarily placing GDOE under the administrative purview of Guam Community College to strengthen financial systems and academic outcomes.

“Accountability, controls, and our operational systems, and also, they can contribute to enhanced learning outcomes,” she said. 

Guthertz says both ideas are just proposals and welcomes community input. 

They’re currently under review by the GEB’s policy review committee. 

Both proposals are available below.