The Guam Education Board has chosen a new superintendent, just before Dr. Kenneth Swanson officially steps down by year’s end. The decision coming Thursday afternoon, signaling a major shift for leadership in the Guam Department of Education. The board making the call during a special meeting Thursday, selecting Dr. Judith Won Pat.

Angel Sablan, GEB chairman, said, “Let me be the first to congratulate Dr. Judi Won Pat as the next incoming superintendent of GDOE.”  The GEB, which has eight voting members, only needing six votes to confirm a superintendent. During a preliminary round at the start of the meeting, Won Pat garnering five votes, followed by two for Joe Sanchez, one for Dr. Barbara Adamos, and no votes for Erika Cruz or Kenneth Perez.

Before the final vote, most members also disclosing personal or familial ties to candidates. 

Member Christine Baleto noting on the record that Won Pat’s father and her grandfather are brothers. Still, the board insisted their votes remained impartial, with Peter Alexcis Ada ultimately casting the sixth vote needed to lock-in the decision.

Dr. Won Pat said, “First of all, I do accept. To also let you know that I will definitely work closely with the board and do everything possible to move this department forward.”

As KUAM News previously reported, Won Pat, a former senator and legislative speaker, has more than 25 years of experience in education. She previously served as acting superintendent in 2023 before Dr. Swanson’s appointment, and is currently the governor’s chief advisor on education.

“It’s ironic," noted Sablan, "because it's the same two people that switched in the last selection where we had Dr. Swanson come on board.”

Won Pat is expected to take the reins officially in January 2026, as Swanson steps down by December 31 due to health reasons. Negotiations of Won Pat’s contract should be underway, which will need to be approved by the attorney general, and submitted to the governor.