Committee on Education and Workforce Development

The Committee on Education and Workforce Development will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 9:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive Considerations of proposed legislations.

Bill No. 36-0067       An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 by adding a section 41j requiring the Pledge of Allegiance and the Virgin Islands Motto to be recited at the beginning of each school day in public schools, but additionally provides that students may opt out of the recitation

Invited Testifiers:
Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education
Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Bill No. 36-0069         An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 9, subchapter 1, section 82, subsection (a) by changing the age a child begins kindergarten from five years of age to four years of age

Invited Testifiers:
Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Honorable Averil George, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Human Services
Honorable Justa E. Encarnacion, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Health

Bill No. 36-0080        An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 mandating a daily morning exercise routine for students in all public schools in the Virgin Islands

Invited Testifiers:
Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Honorable Justa E. Encarnacion, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Health
Brian Young, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician, Partners 4 Kids
Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation