Is it time for a shakeup in the Guam Education Board? Two bills that could change how the policy-body operates got their public hearings this week—drawing input from the education superintendent and one veteran board member.

Proposed legislation is seeking to extend terms of office and implement staggered terms for the GEB— the body responsible for all policies governing the Guam Department of Education. On Tuesday afternoon, outgoing GDOE superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson, along with GEB member Dr. Ron McNinch, testifying on Bill 201-38.

Dr. Swanson advocating for including term limits in the measure---a change he says will “guarantee fresh voices in the work of educating our children.” He added,  “Elected members are limited to two consecutive terms. Should a member desire a third term, they must lay out one election cycle: a minimum of two years, before running for election on a third or subsequent term.”

The GEB consists of twelve members: six elected members who serve two-year terms; three appointed members who serve three-year terms; a non-voting student member from the island-wide board of governing students; a non-voting member appointed by the exclusive bargaining unit representing teachers and other employees; and a non-voting member appointed by the Mayor's Council of Guam.

Dr. Ron McNinch expressing support for both extending and staggering terms, offering these suggestions: “I believe out of the nine members, we have six that are elected. I think we should elect all nine of them. In fact, they should give them six-year terms, so that would allow the public to elect three board members every election, and that would create continuity and stability within the board, because having a two-year term is a very big problem, and there is way too much turnover in general.”

McNinch also floating lowering the candidate age from 25 to 18, revisiting the GEB’s authority, and extending the GEB chair’s term.

In the meantime, senators also discussed Bill 204, which would require the GEB to confirm deputy superintendent appointments. Some lawmakers voicing opposition to that proposal.

This as Dr. Swanson called for, realigning the three deputy superintendent positions and using the fourth full-time equivalent to create a chief of staff position.