A RECOMMENDATION to use $1.56 million in unobligated Compact Impact funds for the repair and renovation of Untalan Middle School (UMS) has been proposed by Sen. Ben Pangelinan.
In a letter to Gov. Eddie Calvo, Pangelinan said use of the Compact Impact funds is a possible alternative to the $4.5 million per year cost the government of Guam has been spending for leasing a temporary campus facility in Tiyan.
“Back in December 2011, the governor provided a ‘sweetheart’ deal to CoreTech International for the lease of the 50-year-old Tiyan facility without the consent of the legislative branch. Although there are funds flowing to the UMS campus via ARRA grants and STEM grants, there isn’t enough to fully complete its repair and renovation,” Pangelinan stated.
“With these additional funds, GovGuam can save $4.5 million per year, which can be redirected to be re-invested into the maintenance of our schools around the island instead of to a private company,” he added.
Furthermore, Pangelinan said the lease amendment takes away $4.5 million per year from the General Fund, which could be used to re-invest in all the island’s public schools. So far, GovGuam has 12 more years remaining under the lease agreement.
“Imagine $4.5 million per year for the next 12 years being used to maintain, renovate and repair all our public schools, now going to rent 50-year-old facilities. Currently, there appears to be other motives in keeping this expensive contract intact. It is my hope that the powers prioritize education so we can have a more prosperous future for all our children,” Pangelinan concluded.
Compact funds proposed for GDOE
- Monday, 27 Aug 2012 03:30am
- BY LOUELLA LOSINIO | VARIETY NEWS STAFF
- Hits: 294
