EDUCATION OFFICIALS REPORT ON READINESS, WORKFORCE STABILITY, AND FACILITY UPGRADES
ST. THOMAS – Members of the Committee on Education and Workforce Development, chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, met at the Capitol Building to hear updates from the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) and the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance (BSCM) on school readiness for the 2025–2026 academic year.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education Commissioner Dione Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D. highlighted ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers, citing high living costs, limited services, and competition from states offering stronger incentive packages. To address vacancies, VIDE and district leaders have conducted sessions to realign staff, while also investing in a teacher pipeline program with 20 paraprofessionals now enrolled at UVI to become certified educators. VIDE also emphasized progress in Special Education, with the St. Thomas-St. John district and the St. Croix district working to reduce evaluation delays and ensure timely services under IDEA. On St. Croix, 60 evaluations were completed over the summer, while St. Thomas–St. John continues to expand contracted support to meet demand.
Although $34.9 million in ARPA funds remain unliquidated, the money is obligated to critical projects such as classroom enhancements, educator training, technology, and school maintenance, according to Commissioner Well-Hedrington. A $5 million line of credit secured with the Office of Disaster Recovery is ensuring timely payments and reimbursements. Finally, both districts reported a successful start to the 2025–2026 school year, with professional development, new academic support systems, improved school kitchens, and the relaunch of salad bars. VIDE reaffirmed its commitment to stability, accountability, and long-term reforms that strengthen teaching and learning across the Territory.
During questioning, Senator Vialet queried whether attendance counselors are currently in place. Commissioner Wells-Hedrington confirmed that they are. Responding further, Dr. Carla A. Bastian-Knight, Insular Superintendent for the St. Croix District, clarified that six counselors are assigned to the St. Thomas–St. John District and six in the St. Croix District. She acknowledged ongoing challenges with student attendance and noted that the VIDE partners with the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services to help mitigate those issues. Senator Vialet concluded by stating that the current level of school absenteeism is unacceptable and must be addressed with urgency.
The Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance Executive Director Craig F. Benjamin testified that since its establishment ten months ago, the Bureau has implemented new systems to strengthen efficiency and accountability, including a territory-wide work order system, a hurricane preparedness plan, and a tiered call-and-response protocol for principals. He noted that these changes are designed to improve transparency, streamline maintenance, and ensure schools remain safe and operational throughout the year.
There are numerous challenges posed by the age of many school facilities, with some buildings dating back more than 60 years. Funding disruptions also temporarily stalled progress; however, $1.4 million in vendor payments were recently released, allowing critical work to resume. This included emergency mold remediation, roof repairs, plumbing and restroom upgrades, and classroom air-conditioning installations with supporting electrical upgrades. Corrective actions taken is followed cross-agency inspections with the Department of Health, Fire Services, and Department of Planning and Natural Resources. These efforts addressed urgent safety and compliance issues such as ventilation, sanitation, and ADA restroom access. A supply contract for mold remediation is being finalized to improve future response times. Preventive measures, including HVAC maintenance, plumbing checks, and roof inspections, are also being standardized across districts.
Infrastructure improvements funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are moving forward after funding was reinstated, with projects including electrical upgrades, generator installations, kitchen renovations, and environmental remediation. To date, 179 projects have been completed and 71 remain active across the Territory. Benjamin reaffirmed that BSCM’s focus on ensuring that students and teachers can learn and work in safe, healthy, and fully functional facilities as the new school year begins.
Senators present at the Committee meeting included Kurt A. Vialet, Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Marvin A. Blyden, Franklin D. Johnson, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Kenneth L. Gittens, Clifford A. Joseph Sr., and Avery L. Lewis.
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