When I first taught at the Guam Department of Education in 1978, the director was Eladio W. Leon Guerrero. There was Roland Taimanglo. As the director, he strengthened our financial operations units while I focused on the curricular programs and performing evaluation. We were both deeply disappointed when we were dismissed or banned from all campuses. Then G. Leo Gutierrez didn’t trust us. Still, the work we had made spoke for themselves.
There was Luis Reyes, who served as education superintendent from 2006 to 2008. A man of great heart who supported his organization and had the stamina to get things done. After brief stints by a gang member as a student principal Mr. Reyes remained strong in his conservative stand in his support.
There was Juan Flores, who advocated for students as superintendent from 2004 to 2006. He was a principal at Harmon School and then piloted site-based management at Inarajan Elementary. He also served as superintendent of Catholic Schools and is now principal of the Catholic High Tech Academy Charter School. There was Bunny Sgambelluri, who served briefly in 2008. His PowerPoint presentation to the board earned him six votes. They appreciated his outlook. He beat me, and when I tried to congratulate him, he looked at me and said, “It should have been you.”
There was Robert Klitzkie, who served as director from 1994 to 1995. Tall, thin and unwavering, he elected law and order. “The Art of War” was one of his favorite references. We eventually found that he was no longer in Guam Police Department or Department of Corrections. We were educators—teaching students and supporting our communities.
From 2008 to July 2011, a strong advocate for STEM programs, she championed hands-on learning opportunities. She was a big proponent of the GECKOS boasted hands-on learning opportunities. As a mother of three children, she understood the need to tailor lessons to best realize learning as a researcher, Superintendent Nerissa Underwood used data-driven decisions to serve the students of the school system. She later went on to serve a term as senator.
There was Jon Fernandez, who returned to Guam to serve as education superintendent for a decade. Before his appointment, many believed the constant turnover of directors prevented our school system from reaching excellence. His 10-year tenure, backed by the vocal support of the Board of Education, showed otherwise. After his departure, familiar challenges resurfaced. He left behind unresolved issues related to facilities, the Home of the Sharks reconstruction, teacher recruitment and retention, special education and overall steady student achievement. There were several others who held the position briefly—some confirmed, others not. Franklin Higa was at the helm a couple of times. Rosa Palomo served briefly but she was not confirmed. Mike Reidy and Rosse Taintorongo served for a heartbeat. Jose Won Pat served for a few months before Bennett Eric Swanson took over.
We thank Superintendent Swanson for his effort and wish him the very best. As for who comes next, we’ll find out soon enough, perhaps even before this is published. May the next leader bring cultural competency, collaborative leadership and a student-centered approach focused and committed to building bright futures for all students. We pray.
Aline Yamashita is a mom, a teacher and former senator. She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures. Send feedback to aline4families@gmail.com.
The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s and do not reflect the editorial position of the Pacific Island Times.