By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

BY THE end of this month, a Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or WASC, accreditation team will be on island to tour Southern High School for its accreditation.
Guam Public School System Superintendent Luis Reyes said he is confident that Southern High School will meet the accreditation criteria.
“I spoke with the principal of Southern High and he said minor repair work still has to be done in preparation for the visit. A major part of the team’s review has to do with academics and stakeholder support,” Reyes told Variety.
Also up for review in July are John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning and Upi Elementary School in Yigo.
“I am confident that JFK High School is ready. I have visited the campus and they are working on repairs to the school’s lighting, plumbing, and exterior. The school will be looking good when the team visits,” he added.
Reyes said the community’s assistance in getting these schools ready is appreciated.
“Sometimes we have teachers, students and parents visit JFK High School to assist in the repairs. Even businesses have stepped in by donating materials. Ace Hardware donated a large amount of paint and other supplies,” said Reyes.
The superintendent said Tamuning Mayor Francisco C. Blas assisted in getting personnel from Andersen Air Force Base to help prepare the school. The Department of Corrections’ Parole Division is also helping the school.
Reyes said those who are interested in helping schools prepare for the accreditation visit to call the schools. Monetary donations to the Every Child is Entitled to an Adequate Education Act fund is also welcome.
Less than $10,000 has been put into repairing and tidying up the three campuses for the accreditation team. The money came from the Adequate Education Act fund, which came from donations from the community.
The law requires a separate bank account for the fund and is administered by the superintendent of education in accordance with policies implemented by the Guam Education Policy Board.