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OPA reviewing GDOE school capacity amid declining enrollment
By Jolene Toves（https://guamnewsnetwork.com/author/jolene-toves）
Published October 30, 2026 at 8:04 PM ChST · 2 min read
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Guam Department of Education exteriors
The Office of Public Accountability has begun reviewing Guam's public school facilities to determine whether the number and capacity of operating schools align with the student population served by the Guam Department of Education.
The review follows Superintendent Judith Won Pat's recent State of Public Education address, in which she reported declining enrollment from school year 2021-22 through 2025-26 and described the trend as “troubling.”
Elementary enrollment fell from 12,191 students in school year 2021-22 to 10,201 in 2025-26, a decrease of 1,990 students. Middle school enrollment declined from 6,262 to 5,110, a drop of 1,152 students. High school enrollment fell from 9,044 students in school year 2020-21 to 7,810 in 2025-26, a decrease of 1,234 students, according to figures cited by Won Pat.
The OPA's review will examine all operating GDOE school facilities, including each school's capacity and enrollment. It will also consider whether decommissioning, consolidation, repurposing or other alternatives may be necessary, according to an Oct. 30 release.
“As part of this engagement, OPA will examine relevant information and documentation concerning school facilities, enrollment, school budgets, deferred maintenance, and applicable laws, rules, regulations, and management directives. OPA will also conduct interviews and gather information to better understand the functions and operations of GDOE’s school facilities and student enrollment,” the office said.
The OPA will work with GDOE's Internal Audit Office on the analysis. The scope and objectives may be adjusted as additional information is obtained and evaluated, according to the release.
The goal is to provide a clearer understanding of how student enrollment relates to school building capacity and use.
“Examining these factors can help inform discussions about the effective use of government resources and the future needs of Guam’s public schools, whether it be rebuilding Simon Sanchez High School or decommissioning existing schools,” Public Auditor Benjamin Cruz said.