By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

IF THE administration signs Bill 74 into law, the Guam Public School System could expect a 1.88 percent cut in its budget for a total of only $180.9 million.
The original budget passed in September 2006 allotted GPSS approximately $184.3 million.
Later today, Education Superintendent Luis Reyes, along with the Guam Education Policy Board, will discuss a possible reduction in working sessions, according to GEPB chairman Peter Alexcis Ada.
“The board’s subcommittee on finance will discuss what impact the possible cut will have on the school system,” Ada said. “However, we will make sure the classrooms are not impacted.”
Currently, the school system is receiving numerous letters of collection from several of its vendors. Reyes said he was not too sure if the GPSS budget cut would affect their payments to vendors.
“We are still trying to find a way to survive,” Reyes said. “It (payment to vendors) will depend on whether we get the entire amount for operations. Right now we are tracking $166 million in cash released from the general fund.”
Ada said the education board has “full confidence that the administration will make good on its promised $172 million in operational budget for fiscal year 2007.
Today’s work session will be held in the GPSS conference room in Hagatna at 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend the meeting.