The $168 million difference accounts for plans to reopen in-person classes. The largest increases are in salaries and benefits, which indicate the new positions that are being requested, Fernandez said at a Guam Education Board meeting.
Full-time and substitute teacher salaries will be $229 million. Fernandez said the agency expects to allocate 60% to 65% of local funds to staff salaries, but that usually increases to 80% once funds are distributed.
In the budget, one of the largest requests is for capital improvements. Fernandez said the education board will assign funds to special education busing, expansion for early childhood education and the conversion of Chief Brodie Elementary School to middle school.