1 week Ago By Jolene Toves | The Guam Daily Post
The Upi Elementary School community is going through leadership changes, and the Guam Department of Education on Thursday announced in a press release that a “significant transition” at the school will begin in days. GDOE in the release expressed confidence in the transition, naming Eileen Gofigan as Upi Elementary’s new school principal. “Dr.
Gofigan's exceptional leadership qualities and her ability to manage the complexities of guiding two educational institutions simultaneously, her commitment to educational excellence and her adaptability are highly valued by the GDOE, which has expressed deep gratitude for her willingness to undertake this challenging role during a crucial transition period,” Superintendent Kenneth Erik Swanson said. Gofigan, who has a “proven track record” as a respected educator, was promoted and will oversee not only Upi Elementary, but also Benavente Middle School, starting Monday. “This dual role is a temporary arrangement, where Dr.
Gofigan will divide her time equally between the two schools until Dec. 27, 2024. Following this period, she will take on the full-time position of lead at Upi Elementary School beginning Dec.
30, 2024,” GDOE said in the release. The interim arrangement was made in light of the impending retirement of Julie Salas, who has been at Upi Elementary since January 1995, and as the school's principal since 2018. “Principal Salas' journey from a teacher to the principal over the years has been marked by dedication and a passion for education, culminating in her leadership role from 2018 until her retirement in December 2024.
Her retirement marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Upi Elementary School under Dr. Gofigan's guidance,” Swanson said. With Gofigan transitioning into the helm at Upi, GDOE said, her appointment “highlights the organization’s forward-thinking strategy in leadership succession and its dedication to the continuous improvement of the educational system in Guam.
” Gofigan currently serves as the vice principal of Benavente Middle School, GDOE said, and her appointment as principal of Upi Elementary, is “eagerly anticipated.” “Dr. Gofigan's appointment is a clear indication of the trust and respect she has earned within the educational community, and her upcoming tenure as the lead of Upi Elementary School is eagerly anticipated.
The department, along with the students, staff, and wider community, look forward to the positive impact Dr. Gofigan will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” GDOE said in the release..
