[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E28]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING DR. ERIK SWANSON

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JAMES C. MOYLAN

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 12, 2026

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Erik Swanson 
upon the conclusion of his service as Superintendent of the Guam 
Department of Education.
  Leading a public school system is never simple, and on Guam, that 
responsibility carries added complexity. Dr. Swanson stepped into the 
role of Superintendent during a period marked by significant 
challenges, including resource constraints, staffing concerns, and the 
lasting impacts faced by students and educators alike.
  From the beginning of his tenure, Dr. Swanson understood that the 
work of public education is deeply personal. It affects not only 
classrooms, but families, communities, and the future of the island 
itself. He approached the role with a focus on responsibility, 
transparency, and support for those on the front lines of education.
  During his time as Superintendent, Dr. Swanson worked to address 
long-standing issues within the Guam Department of Education while 
maintaining focus on student learning and school operations. He 
supported educators and staff who carry the daily responsibility of 
teaching and caring for Guam's children, often under difficult 
circumstances.
  Serving as Superintendent of Education on Guam requires balancing 
many responsibilities at once. It means overseeing schools spread 
across the island, supporting thousands of students, and working 
closely with teachers, staff, and families, all while navigating 
limited resources and high expectations.
  Dr. Swanson approached this role with an understanding of its demands 
and a respect for the people who carry out the work of education every 
day. He recognized that progress often comes through persistence, 
cooperation, and steady attention to the needs of students and schools.
  He also understood the importance of collaboration. Dr. Swanson 
worked with parents, school leaders, and government partners to 
confront challenges facing the education system and to seek solutions 
that would benefit students across the island. His leadership reflected 
an understanding that progress in education requires cooperation, 
patience, and persistence.
  Public education on Guam plays a critical role in shaping opportunity 
and strengthening our community. Leading that system requires not only 
professional experience, but resilience and care. Dr. Swanson carried 
that responsibility with seriousness and respect for the people he 
served.
  Those who worked alongside him describe a leader who listened, 
remained engaged, and understood the weight of the decisions placed 
before him. While no tenure is without difficulty, Dr. Swanson's 
service reflected a commitment to doing the work and facing challenges 
directly.
  Mr. Speaker, Guam's educators and students deserve leadership that 
recognizes both the importance and the difficulty of public education. 
Dr. Erik Swanson answered that call during a demanding time.
  I thank him for his service to Guam's students, educators, and 
families, and I extend my best wishes in the next chapter ahead.

                          ____________________