By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

FOR the past five days, Guam Public School System employees have been facing the possibility of going without a paycheck. Today, they may go through another round of anticipation as GPSS Superintendent Luis Reyes said the $6 million needed for the gross payroll was not in their account as of yesterday.
“I am still waiting for the money,” Reyes told Variety. “I am hoping this time to get a little more so we will be able to pay the remaining $3.3 million in payroll vendor payments.”
On Monday, GPSS found some $2 million in their bank account. Reyes is not certain how the money got there or where it came from. Reyes said the money was used to pay GPSS vendors.
Late utility payments
Besides employees’ gross payroll and payment to vendors, GPSS also needs to pay the Guam Power Authority and the Guam Waterworks Authority.
Reyes said they owe GWA some $95,000 for their February billing. Also due is $814,000 for GPA’s February billing on top of a $100,000 payment on a promissory note.
Both utilities have threatened disconnection of services by next week if payment from GPSS is not received.
This is not the first time GPSS has had a run-in with the utility agencies. Reyes said although they do threaten disconnection, he is thankful for the help he is getting in settling the past due amounts.
“I would like to thank the Department of Administration. They have been helpful in negotiations with the Guam Power Authority and the Guam Waterworks Authority on our behalf,” Reyes added.
Working at conserving
Reyes told Variety that after the payments are made to both utilities, he will look at the power bills for the past two months to see if his energy conservation plan has worked.
“Two months ago, I implemented an energy conservation plan for all GPSS facilities. But for the past two months, I have not seen much of a result. I have tasked a surveillance team to visit the schools and see if they are following the plans,” Reyes added.
He said he has asked principals to encourage the faculty and staff at all schools and facilities to turn off lights and air-conditioning units when they are not in use.