In a satellite office at Tumon Sands Plaza, Science is Fun and Awesome Learning Academy Charter School standing as a united front, facing the pressing question: Has it secured a physical campus as the new school year nears?

As of Monday, the answer is no, but SIFA says a plan is in motion. 

“We weren’t sitting, just doing nothing. Every avenue we’ve always had plan A, plan B, plan C, and when that changes, and when that changes, another plan A, plan B, and plan C,” said Dr. Anthony Jay Sunga, CEO of SIFA.

The school is seeking to temporarily occupy the closed Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary campus in Tamuning, while also pursuing other commercial options.

“We have made a formal request last Friday for the LBJ facility to the GDOE superintendent and the board chairman; both requests now rest on the AG’s opinion, according to the board chairman,” added Sunga. “As we place an advertisement for a request for inquiry on a daily news publication, this allows us to simultaneously look for availability of commercial space and identify potential sites from the general public.”

Ron Ravela, SIFA’s Director of Planning, Appliance, and Research, says the deadline for that RFI is Aug. 22, hoping for an Attorney General opinion before then.

“I’m hoping and praying that someone will respond–and if there is a response, then we’ll move forward with the next step on stage two in our procurement process,” added Ravela. 

Sunga also addressed online learning concerns, following Guam Charter Schools Council Chairwoman Evangeline Cepeda stating it is not an option.

“I believe going online that the chairperson mentioned is an online school year. I would love to go into any site to bring kids in and have them face-to-face—but, with the situation we’re in, our faculty, our staff, and everyone here has really prepared for all contingencies. The temporary online, I would say, access to the students, access to the teachers, is quite important as we wait to move into our new campus,” added Sunga. 

Meantime, SIFA says if LBJ is approved, it will be able to retrofit the facility for middle schoolers. 

The school’s population currently stands at around 400. 

As for its dispute with former Landlord Eagle Land Holdings, LLC., Sunga confirms the case has been dismissed.

Meanwhile, SIFA’s orientation is Aug. 14 at the Royal Rihga Hotel, followed by a first house activity at Ypao Beach Park on Aug. 15. 

The first day of school is set for Sept. 2.