Is Tiyan High School’s future at risk?

That was the question raised by one student during Monday night’s education town hall amid rumors the campus could be used to house the Simon Sanchez High School community.

The short answer? No.

“We haven’t come to that point yet—but it may happen,” said Guam Education Board Chair Angel Sablan.

Sablan explained the history of Tiyan High, noting it was originally intended as a temporary facility for schools undergoing repairs.

“I wasn’t on the board then, but I know some board members have told me–that if we had only kept to that process, we would have a facility today–we wouldn't be having double sessions because we can just transfer one school being repaired to Tiyan,” said Sablan.

Still, he added that no final decision has been made, though redistricting is on the table.

“And when that happens, some of the students from Tiyan will go back to wherever school they came from or other schools, to make that place available again for schools that are being repaired. And I know you guys don’t like it–you’re already comfortable in having your own school–but these are the options that we have to consider,” added Sablan.

Sablan pointed out that the discussion stems from Superintendent Swanson's recent testimony at the legislature, where he warned that up to 10 schools could close without adequate funding.

Meantime, options to address double sessions are expected to be presented at the September GEB meeting.

Still, the student who first raised the question pushed back:

“It would be a lot more reasonable to redistrict Sanchez students to their nearest high school or whatever high school they are closest to, rather than entirely taking over another school that is a model high school, leading us to a path of career readiness,” said one Tiyan student.

A Tiyan teacher also joined the conversation, expressing frustration, citing previous assurances that the school would remain open.

But Sablan stood firm, reiterating, “There is no decision as of this time to close Tiyan in favor of Simon Sanchez, that has not been reached. There are still deliberations to be made.”