Guam Academy Charter Schools Council sets deadline for SIFA to secure school site

Concerns are mounting over the Science Is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy Charter School, still without a physical campus.

After vacating its Tiyan location in June and temporarily occupying the former Chief Brodie Elementary School off the table, stakeholders say they’ve been left in the dark.

Senator Jesse Lujan, who sits on the committee on education, says he’s been hearing from many of them.

“Parents are concerned where their kids are gonna go, and they’re definitely concerned about online learning,” said Sen. Lujan. 

Lujan says some SIFA students have already transferred to Guam Department of Education schools, which began classes Thursday. 

Still, he says families deserve options.

“There are quite a few that want to stay within the charter school system, and where can they go,” asked Lujan. 

He’s written to the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council, which responded with strict timelines for SIFA, reminding them online learning is not an option.

“Today is the deadline she’s giving SIFA for the physical address. I’m hoping that will be addressed because we can’t allow this to continue to happen and have parents and kids not knowing where to go,” said Lujan. 

Meanwhile, fellow charter school Business Technology Academy is pushing to expand into middle school grades, offering to take in up to 125 students, as it actively works to convert newly renovated classrooms across its main building should the need arise. 

But Chairwoman Evangeline Cepeda says the expansion must wait until next school year, citing capacity concerns. 

She stated in part, “Their current school can hold a capacity of over 200 more students, which leads me to put this on hold.”

“Vangie’s letter said that BTACS’ current enrollment is 74—but BTACS said that their current enrollment is 154. So that has changed since. They can expand—the only thing is that the council would have to give the authority for those grade levels… I’m encouraging that they… solve this immediately,” said Lujan. 

Meanwhile, Lujan says he’s heard SIFA has a location in mind, but notes inspections and preparations take time. 

In the meantime, he’s urging the council to identify charter schools that can absorb displaced students, while lawmakers stand ready.