ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Education and Workforce Development, chaired by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, convened in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to address key policy and legislative initiatives impacting the education system in the territory. Discussions included the Promotion and Retention Policy connected to the implementation of the new Virgin Islands and Caribbean History curriculum, review of Bill No. 36-0188, to establish the Virgin Islands Technical College and expand and clarify the role of the Board for Career and Technical Education, concerns surrounding the impact of student cell phone usage under the Electronic Device Policy, and updates on ongoing public school repairs and maintenance. 

Virgin Islands Board of Education (VIBE), led by Chairman Kyza A. Callwood, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring full compliance with 17 V.I.C. § 41(c)(1), as amended by Act 8730, which mandates standalone instruction in Virgin Islands and Caribbean History in public schools. Chairman Callwood noted that curriculum oversight and policy approval remain the Board’s responsibility, while instructional implementation, teacher training, and delivery are led by the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE). Since December 2024, VIBE and VIDE have held multiple planning and compliance meetings, and the Board has approved the VI History Comprehensive Implementation Plan for the 2025–2026 school year. The curriculum developed by VIDE with support from educators, historians, cultural organizations, and the American Institutes for Research now includes a K–12 framework aligned to the Virgin Islands Standards of Achievement in Social Studies. Pilot instruction has begun in select schools, with regulatory approval currently in progress for full implementation. VIBE continues to monitor progress, ensure compliance, and provide public updates as implementation advances.

In a written Addendum submitted to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and presented by Victor Somme III, Assistant Commissioner on behalf of Dionne Wells- Hedrington, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education highlighted the U.S. Virgin Islands History Curriculum Framework, a K–12 standards-based program designed to strengthen student understanding of the Territory’s history and cultural legacy. The curriculum incorporates critical thinking and community-focused learning to deepen civic awareness, student identity, and pride in the Virgin Islands. In response to the updates, Senator Kurt A. Vialet emphasized the importance of teaching Virgin Islands and Caribbean History as a pathway to cultural awareness and student empowerment. He further stressed the need for stronger alignment and more frequent collaboration between stakeholders, noting that increasing coordination now will help ensure measurable progress by the next senatorial update.  

Separately, lawmakers voted to hold in committee: Bill No. 36-0188 An Act amending Title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 23, by adding a subchapter III establishing the Virgin Islands Technical College; amending Title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 7, subchapter I section 99 to increase the membership of the Board for Career and Technical Education; amending Title 17 Virgin Islands Code chapter 23, subchapter I, section 262 to clarify the duties of the Board for Career and Technical Education relating to the Virgin Islands Technical College and section 263 relating to the Career-Technical Education Training Fund, and for other related purposes. Proposed by: Senator Avery L. Lewis.

Assistant Commissioner Somme voiced the Department of Education’s support, reaffirming its commitment to expanding career and technical pathways and noting that the technical college would strengthen workforce development and prepare students for industry-driven care. However, V.I. Board of Education, Chairman Callwood urged caution, warning that the current framework lacks the operational capacity to meet the bill’s objectives. Currently, there are persistent challenges with staffing, instructor certification, and infrastructure, and underscored the absence of clear alignment with K–12 graduation requirements or formal coordination with the Board of Education. Dr. Callwood stressed that foundational systems must be strengthened before expanding programs or pursuing accreditation.

Lawmakers also reviewed the Virgin Islands Board of Education’s Electronic Device Policy, which aims to balance technology use with safety, discipline, and instructional focus. Chairman Kyza A. Callwood emphasized that the policy promotes accountability by restricting unauthorized use during instructional time and prohibiting recordings without consent. Assistant Commissioner Victor Somme noted that excessive phone use has caused distractions and reduced engagement, while stricter enforcement has improved focus, participation, and school climate, findings consistent with national research linking limited phone use to fewer cyberbullying incidents and better classroom behavior.

Finally, addressing ongoing public-school repairs and maintenance, Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance Executive Director, Craig Benjamin reported that the Bureau is managing multiple projects across the Territory, prioritizing roof repairs along with plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning upgrades. Despite limited funding, he affirmed the Bureau’s commitment to maintaining safe and functional learning environments. Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers Local 1825 President Leontyne Jones, highlighted persistent issues such as mold, poor ventilation, deteriorating infrastructure, and unsanitary plumbing. She also expressed concern over the worsening condition of the School Lunch Warehouse and the toll these problems take on teachers and students. Jones urged lawmakers to provide additional funding for immediate repairs and temporary safety measures while FEMA-led reconstruction remains pending.

Senators present at the Committee meeting included Kurt A. Vialet, Avery L. Lewis, Carla J. Joseph, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin A. Blyden, Novelle E. Francis Jr., and Clifford A. Joseph Sr.

The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org.

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org