Kurt A. Vialet, Mathematics Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, first elected in 2014 to serve as a Senator in the 31st Legislature of the Virgin Islands then served in the 32nd – 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
Having been in public service for over 30 years, Kurt A. Vialet has achieved a distinguished career in government. As an active member of the Virgin Islands community, and a proven and dedicated leader within the Department of Education and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, his journey has allowed him to serve as a Mathematics Educator, an Assistant Principal, a Principal, and an elected leader, Senator, for several terms. His various roles in management and in educating public school students have allowed him to carve his niche in the Virgin Islands’ rich, diverse political history.
Kurt Anthony Vialet, was born May 26, 1964, on the beautiful island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to parents, Roy Vialet of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and Helena Matta Vialet of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Due to his parents’ insistence that he grows up grounded, they saw it fit for him to be educated in the public-school system of the Virgin Islands from elementary school to high school, respectively. Upon graduation from the St. Croix Central High School in 1982, he obtained both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from the University of the Virgin Islands in 1987 and a Master of Arts Degree in Administration and Supervision in 1992.
Upon graduation from the University of the Virgin Islands, Kurt A. Vialet began his career with the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands working with the Department of Education. He has long worked for change as a Teacher and an Assistant Principal at the Elena L. Christian Junior High School, Principal at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School (SCEC) and Principal of the Arthur A. Richards Junior High School.
Kurt A. Vialet was charged with the duty of designing and structuring the organization and opening of the 2nd High School on the island of St. Croix, SCEC, and its academic program from its inception in August of 1995. He was the “brainchild” of implementing the very first Science & Math Magnet program in the Virgin Islands to cater to the best and brightest minds. Principal Vialet also designed and implemented the ELMER (Enhancing Literacy in Math, English & Reading) program which catered to struggling incoming 9th grade students who needed additional learning time in the high school setting. He was instrumental in the coordination of opening the only school-based Health Clinic in the Virgin Islands at the SCEC High School. The SCEC Marching Band, the Quelbe Ambassadors Band, the SCEC Sport programs, and Academic programs thrived and excelled to greatness under his leadership. During his tenure, SCEC embarked on a journey and successfully attained its first accreditation from Middle States Association in May 2005. This is a milestone in SCEC’s history. Together with the entire faculty and staff at the SCEC High School, over 5,000 students graduated, and thousands pursued higher education, especially in the fields of Science and Mathematics.
As a proven and dedicated leader within the Department of Education, a beacon of intelligence and hope, in August of 2011 Kurt A. Vialet was then required to be what is known in Education as a “Change Agent of Schools.” Thus, he was charged with revamping the Arthur A. Richards Junior High School.
An active member of the Virgin Islands community, Kurt A. Vialet switched careers and entered the political arena in 2014. Once again, his quest was to serve the community and provide opportunities for the citizens of the Virgin Islands. In his bid to the Senate, he was elected, placed first overall, and has served as a Democratic Senator in the 31st, 32nd, 33rd, and 34th Legislatures of the Virgin Islands.
Senator Kurt A. Vialet, served as the Chairperson of Health, Hospitals and Human Services, Vice Chair of Education and Workforce Development and Chair of the Finance Committee for six consecutive years. He continued his journey of service by creating several different laws and amendments to bills that are of high impact to people’s daily lives, in his hope of creating a better Virgin Islands.
Fortunate to have grown up in a small yet, vibrant community, Kurt Vialet’s very upbringing instilled in him the values and understanding that made him realize that our community is at a crossroad and there are challenges, but also opportunities to make the Virgin Islands a better place for all. His roots, educational background, values and, work ethic gave him insight into the challenges we face, as well as the opportunities that lie ahead. This qualified him in 2022 for his bid for Governor of the Virgin Islands of the United States. While together with his running mate, Senator Janelle K. Sarauw, were unsuccessful at this attempt, they won the district of St. Croix and one segment of St.John against an incumbent governor. A victory held in high esteem, Mr. Vialet continues to work in many facets of the community, consulting as only then can we shape a better future for our islands.
In 2024, Senator Vialet on his journey and his quest for a better quality of life for the people of the Virgin Islands, a strong voice for his District and his dedication and commitment to a better, improved Territory, was again elected, placing first overall, to serve in the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
Kurt A. Vialet, hardworking and determined for a better Virgin Islands, has dedicated himself to countless community involvement ranges from being a Co-Founder of TRASHBUSTERS, a volunteer community environmental Clean Up Crew, former Treasurer and then President of the St. Croix Festival Committee, member of St. Croix Horse Owners’ Association, advisor to the CLOSE-UP Foundation, member of the National Association of Secondary Principals, Honorary member of UVI’s Golden Key National Honor Society, member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), volunteer with the Virgin Islands Special Olympics, volunteer with the Christiansted Crucian Cultural Group’s activities, Frederiksted Festival of Lights activity, Co-Host on WSTX Educational Radio Show, Guest panelist on WTJX “Comes with the Territory” television program, parade participant with the Ten Sleepless Knights Festival Troupe, a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church, and a member of the National Council of State Legislatures.
In addition, he has been recognized for outstanding service by several organizations to include the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (2004), the SCEC PTSA Image Award (2006), the Frederiksted Health Care Inc. (2007), SCEC Physical Education Department (2013), and Grand Marshall of the Carnival Parade 2015.
Kurt A. Vialet is a community activist and volunteer, an avid reader, an advocate for young people, and a sports enthusiast with basketball and horseracing among his favorites.
Being committed to God and his family are amongst his greatest accomplishments. He is married to Wanda Figueroa-Vialet, of St. Croix, an Elementary Educator. Together they have two daughters, both college graduates, Kurrisa Vialet, (Civil Environmental Engineer) and Kyminis Vialet, (Public Health Communications/Psychology), both of whom are also proud graduates of the public-school system of the Virgin Islands.