EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND NURSING BOARDS SHARE FY 2026 BUDGET

ST. CROIX, USVI – The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., convened at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room to review the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget. Testimony was presented by officials from the Virgin Islands Board of Education, (VIBE) the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL), and the Virgin Islands Department of Health (DOH).

Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, Chairman of the 22nd Virgin Islands Board of Education, testified that VIBE’s FY 2026 budget proposal totaling $2,137,697 million in a lumpsum. The proposal supports the Board’s statutory mandates and operational goals, emphasizing fiscal discipline, strategic investment in human capital, and expanded support for certification, scholarships, and capital improvements. The budget reflects a $250,000 reduction from FY 2025, requiring VIBE to realign priorities while preserving core services. With 18 budgeted positions and a growing focus on workforce development, youth engagement, and interagency collaboration, VIBE reaffirmed its commitment to educational excellence, historic preservation, and responsible financial management. Senator Francis inquired whether VIBE had received all its Fiscal Year 2025 allotments. In response, Interim Executive Director Sandra Bess, serving as Financial Aid Coordinator, stated that to date, the agency has received ten allotments. Separately, key highlights included expanded scholarship outreach, educator certification reforms, improved internal controls, and ongoing restoration of hurricane-damaged facilities. 

Carmen Vanterpool-Romney, Territorial Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure (VIBNL), reported that the Board continues to address several operational challenges, including the absence of an online payment system, a $6,000 annual fee for participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact, and a $42,295 funding gap for essential service contracts. With 28 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) applicants awaiting exams due to limited testing site availability, VIBNL is actively working to establish permanent testing locations in both districts. The Governor’s recommended Fiscal Year 2026 budget for VIBNL totals $856,373. This is a $10,295 increase over the FY 2025 allocation of $846,078. Vanterpool-Romney emphasized that the additional funding is critical to advancing the Board’s goals, which include revising nursing regulations, launching the CEU Broker system, expanding CNA testing on St. Croix, improving NCLEX pass rates, enhancing public outreach and website functionality, and strengthening board governance. These initiatives reflect VIBNL’s continued commitment to a competent, well-regulated nursing workforce throughout the Virgin Islands. Senator Francis acknowledged the Board’s ongoing efforts and reaffirmed the Legislature’s support, stating that the work of VIBNL is valued and that the Committee remains open to addressing additional financial needs that may arise.

Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms, Assistant Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Health stated that the agency’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget totals $31,465,232. In addition to this allocation, DOH is projected to receive supplemental funding, including $1,500,000from the Health Revolving Fund, $22,245 from Vital Statistics Corporation, $624,714 for Emergency Services, $65,000 for Health Provider Development and Enhancement, and $27,183,049 in Federal Funds. The Department currently has 332 full-time positions, with 176 funded by the General Fund and 156 through federal sources. Despite steady hiring progress and fully implemented salary increases for nurses, DOH faces a projected revenue shortfall for FY 2025, with collections estimated at $2.16 million, down from $2.38 million in FY 2024. Dr. Craigwell-Syms noted that the de-obligation of seven COVID-19/ARPA grants totaling $3.19 million significantly impacted workforce expansion and immunization efforts, particularly within Behavioral Health. In response, the Department strategically reassigned affected staff to minimize disruption. Major capital projects include a $368.5 million portfolio funded by FEMA, USDA, and HUD, while the Virgin Islands Universal Data Warehouse launched with $2 million in ARPA funds now requires $4.75 million in additional support to complete. Defending the FY 2026 budget Dr. Craigwell-Syms stated that it is critical to sustaining core operations, rebuilding momentum in data modernization, and strengthening the Territory’s capacity to deliver high-quality, equitable public health services.

Senator’s present at the meeting: Chairman Novelle E. Francis Jr.; Vice Chair Marvin A. Blyden; and Senators Carla J. Joseph, Avery Lewis, Kurt A. Vialet, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Franklin D. Johnson, Hubert L. Frederick, Marise C. James, and Clifford A. Joseph Sr.

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org