We want to update you on a proposed adjustment to the public school calendar that affects the start date of the school year.
What’s happening
- Each year, the school start date has advanced by one day. This school year began on August 1, 2025; without changes, next year would begin July 31.
- GFT worked with Guam Education Board (GEB) representatives to propose moving the official start of the school year to August 15. Because this would create an immediate gap in pay for educators, the Joint Board–Union Calendar Committee developed a phased approach to ease the transition.
The phased plan
- The calendar will be adjusted gradually over four school years so that the target start date of August 15 is reached in 2029.
- Each school year between now and 2029 will shift by three to four days, smoothing the change and reducing financial disruption.
Pay implications
- Teacher salaries are allocated to the school year and cover 21 pay periods by default. We receive our complete salary throughout the school year, and our school calendar readjustment DOES NOT reduce our salary.
- Many teachers opt to spread their pay over 26 pay periods to receive paychecks during the summer months.
- During the transition years, there will be a three- to four-day gap at the beginning of the school year. Please plan accordingly if you receive income spread over 26 pay periods.
- SY26-27 – 3 days gap
- SY27-28 – 3 days gap
- SY28-29 – 4 days gap
- SY29-30 – 3 days gap
Next steps and how you can stay involved
- The decision is not final. The Guam Education Board will consider the recommendation at its next meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, and is expected to vote on the proposals then.
- If you have questions or feedback, please contact GFT or attend the GEB meeting to share your perspective.