A renewed push to expand the amount of charter schools on the island was loud and clear during a confirmation hearing for members of the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council on Tuesday. Is there room for new charter schools on Guam— and by law, what role can senators play in making that happen?

That question coming from Senator Telo Taitague during the confirmation hearing for Guam Academy Charter Schools Council members David Camacho and Evangeline Cepeda. Cepeda didn't hesitating when responding, declaring, “Do we need more charter schools? Absolutely. I’m all about growing, I’m all about choices.”

She followed with a direct call to action, saying, “Introduce a bill!”

To note, under current Guam law, the existing seven charter schools have reached the legal cap. But Cepeda says expanding that number—by at least five more—would be a realistic goal.

She stated, “I’m not saying we’re going to open five charter schools in one year—that’s nonsense. The law requires a timeline. We can’t do it as a council member. But, if we do five, it prepares for those that want to open a charter—or, want to become a charter in the next three to five years.”

Cepeda also sharing that at least two organizations have already signaled they are ready to open as a charter, with others in the community expressing interest in growth as well.

Meanwhile, Camacho also using the hearing to push for a budget increase to raise teacher wages in charter schools.