Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced on Tuesday he is waiving graduation fees for students graduating from the territory’s public high schools this year as COVID-19 health protocols have prevented traditional graduation ceremonies.
“We want our students and their families to celebrate this important milestone, especially after overcoming the challenges presented by this pandemic over the last year,” Bryan said in a news release issued Tuesday by Government House.
“However, our primary responsibility is the health and safety of our students, their families and that of the faculty and staff of our schools. And we cannot guarantee their safety while allowing traditional graduation ceremonies at this time. I know this is not what the graduates or their families want. So, they should not be responsible for any costs associated with this year’s ceremonies,” the governor said
Bryan said the fees for each graduating senior will be paid through funds from the CARES Act.
Families that already paid graduation fees will receive refunds, the news release said.
The Bryan-Roach administration said it is committed to transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring the disaster recovery is completed as quickly as possible.
