Update on Plans for Temporary Campus for Simon Sanchez High School

Guam Department of Education Officials Await FEMA Decision on Temporary Campus for Simon Sanchez High School

Guam Department of Education officials are eagerly awaiting a decision from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Thursday regarding plans for a temporary campus for Simon Sanchez High School. The options on the table include leasing a never-opened mall in Tumon or constructing modular classrooms in Yigo.

During Monday’s legislative session, discussions were held on Sen. Roy Quinata’s Bill 321-37, which would allocate $7 million from excess general fund revenues to cover the costs associated with rebuilding Simon Sanchez High School and leasing a temporary campus. GDOE has been waiting for FEMA’s approval of grant funding for a temporary campus, with options including retrofitting a never-opened mall in Tumon or building modular classrooms in Yigo.

Bureau of Budget and Management Research Director Lester Carlson stated that there would be no need to use general fund monies, as the Typhoon Mawar relief fund still has $19 million available. If FEMA approves funding for the project, the 10% matching funds could come from the Mawar account.

Sen. Frank Blas Jr. motioned to suspend further discussion on the bill until after GDOE meets with FEMA on Thursday and a decision is made on funding for a temporary campus. Carlson mentioned that the Tumon mall option seems to have the most traction, with an estimated retrofit cost of $25 million.

Superintendent Erik Swanson expressed his desire to move forward with procurement once FEMA makes a decision on the temporary campus option it would fund. Swanson also noted that if the $2.5 million matching fund is allocated from the Mawar fund, GDOE could use the balance of the proposed $7 million appropriation for other contingencies.

Simon Sanchez High School students have been attending double-session classes at John F. Kennedy High School since their Yigo campus was shut down due to damage from Typhoon Mawar in May 2023. Swanson aims to end the double sessions and have students moved into a new temporary campus by December.