The possible temporary relocation of Science is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy to the now-decommissioned Chief Brodie campus in Tamuning is drawing mixed reactions, sparking hope for some and concern in others.

The Guam Education Board requested attorneys for both SIFA and the Guam Department of Education to draft an interim lease agreement that can withstand legal scrutiny. 

But according to GEB Chair Angel Sablan, that’s as far as the matter will go, for now.

“We’re not making a decision on that today, in fact, we’ve asked the attorney general for an opinion on whether the board has any authority to designate Chief Brodie, or any school being decommissioned, to another entity. We haven't received that opinion, and the board will not move forward with authorizing anything,” said Sablan. 

In the meantime, Sablan says one concern remains front and center: Where SIFA students will go.

“The best thing to do is to allow them to use the facility. But I don’t want to do something and hurt the kids twice. Already, they don’t have a facility. If we put them into a facility, that in two weeks, the AG or somebody is going to say, ‘Hey, you don’t have the authority to use SIFA to use that school—you have to vacate again’—that means all we’re doing is hurting the kids more and I don’t want to do that,” said Sablan. 

Sablan also addressed unwavering support from the Tamuning community to convert Chief Brodie into a central middle school. 

He says the ultimate goal remains to transform the campus into a public middle school.

“If SIFA was going to occupy it, it would have to turn into a middle school because that’s their population. One of the win-wins for Tamuning in this case is that the expenses to refurbish and renovate Chief Brodie into a middle school are at the hands of whoever takes it over—it won’t be GDOE’s expenses. So, in this case, if SIFA is allowed to use it, they would have to spend their dollar,” added Sablan. 

In that scenario, Sablan says SIFA would also be urged to prioritize enrolling students from Tamuning.

Meanwhile, a petition titled “Save Chief Brodie for Tamuning, not SIFA without leadership reform” has gathered over 100 signatures. 

The petition embedded within an anonymous letter to education and local leaders, highlighting SIFA’s “high” staff turnover, reporting that 39 employees left during the 2024–2025 school year. 

The letter urging that public facilities be reserved for institutions with stable leadership and strong educator retention.

And as requests for public comment on the matter continue to roll in, Sablan says the board is listening, and still seeking answers.

“There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered and clarified because I don’t think the board is satisfied that we have seen the end of answering all the questions about SIFA and its operations,” said Sablan. 

Meantime, SIFA Attorney Mike Phillips says he is confident SIFA will have a school location, it's just a question of where.