Senate committee hears support for two charter school council reappointments
December 09, 2025 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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The Guam Legislature s Committee on Education, Libraries, and Public Broadcasting heard testimony Dec. 9 for two appointments to the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council, where supporters praised the nominees attendance, oversight and leadership.
Chair Senator Vincent A. V. Borja opened the session and said the nominations under consideration were David JN Camacho as the retired teacher representative and Evangeline M. Cepeda to serve as a general public representative for three-year terms.
Several supporters spoke in favor of the nominees. A community member introduced later by the chair as Ms. Zepeda urged senators to reappoint Camacho, saying he "always shows up" and is "a man of integrity." David JN Camacho, who identified himself as a retired elementary school teacher and broadcaster, said his record "speaks for itself" and argued charter schools offer parents options and smaller class sizes that can help students learn.
Evangeline M. Cepeda submitted written testimony and read it into the record, describing her work on oversight, statutory and regulatory compliance, and collaboration with government partners to ensure transparency and student-centered decision making. Maria Dunn, principal at Island Academy Charter School, testified that Cepeda "leads with a firm, steady hand" and provides continuity as charter schools expand.
Committee members questioned nominees and witnesses about charter school autonomy, website transparency and procurement training for charter staff. Cepeda said all seven charter schools have autonomy under law, that the council monitors accountability through annual fiscal reports and public-auditor findings, and that the council has purchased administrative items (including a vehicle under $25,000 and a laptop) and is finalizing a training day on procurement and other topics to be held in early 2026.
Chair Borja closed the segment on the appointments without holding a committee vote and said the committee will continue to accept written testimony for seven days.
The committee recessed briefly before taking up the next agenda item, Bill 202-38.
Chair Senator Vincent A. V. Borja opened the session and said the nominations under consideration were David JN Camacho as the retired teacher representative and Evangeline M. Cepeda to serve as a general public representative for three-year terms.
Several supporters spoke in favor of the nominees. A community member introduced later by the chair as Ms. Zepeda urged senators to reappoint Camacho, saying he "always shows up" and is "a man of integrity." David JN Camacho, who identified himself as a retired elementary school teacher and broadcaster, said his record "speaks for itself" and argued charter schools offer parents options and smaller class sizes that can help students learn.
Evangeline M. Cepeda submitted written testimony and read it into the record, describing her work on oversight, statutory and regulatory compliance, and collaboration with government partners to ensure transparency and student-centered decision making. Maria Dunn, principal at Island Academy Charter School, testified that Cepeda "leads with a firm, steady hand" and provides continuity as charter schools expand.
Committee members questioned nominees and witnesses about charter school autonomy, website transparency and procurement training for charter staff. Cepeda said all seven charter schools have autonomy under law, that the council monitors accountability through annual fiscal reports and public-auditor findings, and that the council has purchased administrative items (including a vehicle under $25,000 and a laptop) and is finalizing a training day on procurement and other topics to be held in early 2026.
Chair Borja closed the segment on the appointments without holding a committee vote and said the committee will continue to accept written testimony for seven days.
The committee recessed briefly before taking up the next agenda item, Bill 202-38.
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