Wednesday marks the final day of service at the Guam Department of Education for the deputy superintendents who served under former superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson.  Among them is longtime GDOE veteran Joe Sanchez, whose departure was met with an outpouring of heartfelt farewells from the community.

After more than 25 years with the largest agency in the Government of Guam, 13 of which he served as deputy superintendent of curriculum and instructional improvement, Sanchez is closing a chapter defined by service, commitment, and connection to the people he served.    

Earlier this week, the GDOE community gathering at John F. Kennedy High School for a surprise farewell—a moment filled with gratitude, reflection, and emotion as colleagues, friends, and education partners came to say thank you and goodbye.

“All of these years," said Sanchez, "it’s just been an absolute pleasure working for the department. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with everybody, even the families and our community partners. It was very touching, and I’m hugely humbled.”

In the days leading up to his departure, Sanchez making a point to visit the GDOE community, personally thanking teachers, staff, and administrators who have worked alongside him through the years. His exit comes as incoming GDOE superintendent Dr. Judi Won Pat appoints a new senior management team.

He continued, “Being the closest to the students, a lot of the work falls on the teachers. It feels like a lot of it is always asking for more from them–and the fact that they’re just so willing to always give more is something that we need to appreciate as a community. When I say thank you to them, it still just doesn’t feel enough–but it’s the least that I could say at this point–is just thank them for these absolutely wonderful years.”

Sanchez leaves behind a legacy of hard work and results—including his recent role in helping Guam DOE secure more than $54 million in federal fund reimbursements for its seven-point plan to address learning loss. He says he hopes his successor will build on what has been accomplished, recognizing the progress made and the work still ahead.

Looking forward, Sanchez says his next chapter may take him to Hawaii, but his heart remains tied to Guam. He adds that returning to serve GDOE - including taking another shot at as superintendent - will always remain a possibility.

He leaves this message for GDOE and the island: “We’ve just been through so much, and really, I just cannot thank the community more and the students.”

In the meantime, fellow deputy superintendents serving under Dr. Swanson will also end their terms on December 31.