August 26, 2020
GEB EXTENDS SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACT THROUGH 2025
In a unanimous decision, the Guam Education Board (GEB) voted to retain Jon Fernandez as the Superintendent of Education through June 2025. Fernandez has been superintendent since 2012 and is currently one of the longest-serving superintendents in the United States. His current contract was set to expire on June 30, 2021.
On Friday, August 21, 2020, Fernandez submitted his letter of intent to continue as superintendent to the GEB. During the regular meeting held on August 25, and in light of the superintendent’s recent outstanding evaluation and what will likely be a challenging school year, board member Dr. Ron McNinch motioned to extend Fernandez’s contract through June 30, 2025. The superintendent will continue at the same salary.
“I was happy to hear that Jon wanted to continue to lead the department and I know that the future of our education system will be in good hands,” GEB Chairwoman Maria Gutierrez said. “Our board recently evaluated his progress and determined that he is doing an outstanding job of moving our department forward. On behalf of the Guam Education Board, I want to thank him for wanting to continue to serve our community and we look forward to working with him over the next five years.”
“One of the things that sticks out to me the most is the stability that Jon brings to our department. He is not only one of the longest-serving superintendent’s in Guam, but also in the nation,” GEB Vice Chair Mark Mendiola said. “In prior years, there was such a high turnover rate and what seemed to be a revolving door of superintendents. Jon has provided that stability and steadfast leadership that is critical at this juncture when we are moving to remove special conditions from the federal government and also handling the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“I want to thank the board members for their confidence, and I think it goes without saying that it reflects not only my performance, but the performance of our entire GDOE team, including our deputies, administrators, teachers and employees,” Fernandez said. “Given that this year is going to be extremely challenging, the extension of this contract means accepting the responsibility to make sure we do everything we can to adjust to this pandemic and to continue our mission of teaching and learning. I appreciate the partnership of our board and am ready to focus on the work we need to do this year.”