Hagåtña, Guam – Another school earns a passing grade to enable a return to in-person learning at their respective campus. This week, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) completed its inspection of J.Q. San Miguel Elementary School in Toto. Working alongside the Guam Department of Education, the Governor’s School Opening Readiness Team (SORT) addressed various issues, ranging from fabricating new restroom partitions and ceiling tiles, adding drop ceilings, replacing outdated vents, installing LED lights, painting, and general maintenance on campus. The Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and Guam International Airport Authority also detailed electricians from their departments to help with the removal, repair, and installation of new air conditioning units. In addition to the work done by the Governor’s SORT, the Andersen Airforce Base RED HORSE Squadron helped demolish and replace the school’s walkway roofing. 

“We take great pride in being part of a team that demonstrates anything is possible,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “This Toto campus posed significant challenges, but with our agencies working alongside the Guam Department of Education, we committed the necessary manpower and hours to ensure our students could return as quickly and safely as possible.”

“We thank the students, their families, teachers, and staff for their patience as we work to resolve the issues that prevented schools from passing public health inspections,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “While progress has been made, the work is far from over. We continue to address the most challenging campuses–those that have endured decades of neglect. It is crucial that the Guam Department of Education take the necessary steps to prevent this situation from happening next year and the years to come.” 

Governor’s SORT assigned to J.Q. San Miguel Elementary included the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, the Department of Land Management, the Guam International Airport Authority, the Office of the Governor, Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense, and the Office of Senator Roy Quinata. 

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