IMPROVE THE SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF GUAM’S FAMILIES

The board’s proposal to extend the school day won’t solve DOE’s problems. There is absolutely no evidence that an extra half hour a day of class will make any difference, but there is an abundance of evidence that proves that the socioeconomic status of students is the greatest factor toward their ability to succeed in school.  Majority of our students in public schools are under the free or reduced lunch program which means that many of these families fall below the poverty line.  The solution in solving the root cause of a majority of Guam’s ills is not by extending the school day, cutting pay or laying-off workers, but it is to raise the standard of living of Guam’s families.