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2 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 February 3, 2026 Honorable Kurt Vialet, Chairman Committee on Education and Workforce Development Capitol Building Post Office Box 1690 St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00804 Sent electronically via kvialet@legvi.org Dear Senator Vialet: Thank you for the opportunity to present testimony before the Committee on Education and Workforce Development regarding the status of new school construction projects, ARPA-funded projects, maintenance contracts, budget allocations, and plans for summer and maintenance. The Virgin Islands Department of Education is committed to working closely with the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance and is prepared to strategically address the following matters outlined in the committee’s formal request. • A comprehensive list of projects by school, and scopes of work (e.g., o classroom renovations, roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical o repairs or upgrades) with particular focus on Bertha C. Boschulte o Middle School, Woodson Junior High School, and Eulalie Rivera K–8 o School • Status of internet connectivity across school campuses • Plans and timelines for summer maintenance • Status of kitchen equipment installation with particular focus on • Claude O. Markoe Elementary School and Eulalie Rivera K-8 School • A detailed breakdown of ARPA-funded projects • The status of new school construction projects, including the o Charlotte Amalie High School and Arthur A. Richards Junior High o School • Plans for redistricting to accommodate the closure of John H. o Woodson Junior High School and Bertha C. Boschulte Middle o School, and the rebuilding of Aurthur Richards Junior High School o and Charlotte Amalie High School, including school preparedness, 3 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 • student capacity, staffing, transitional arrangements, bussing, etc. Enclosed for your review is the Department’s comprehensive handbook, which includes detailed testimony and supporting documentation. I sincerely appreciate your continued support and commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands Department of Education and the students we serve. Sincerely, Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D. Commissioner 4 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5 Commissioner’s Statement ......................................................................................................... 5 Comprehensive List of Projects by School using ARPA Funding ................................................... 6 SCHOOL FACILITY PROJECT STATUS REPORT .............................................................. 9 1. Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School ....................................................................................... 9 2. Julius Sprauve School .......................................................................................................... 9 3. Guy Benjamin School .......................................................................................................... 9 4. Ivanna Eudora Kean High School .......................................................................................10 5. Joseph Gomez School ..........................................................................................................10 6. Claude O. Markoe School ...................................................................................................10 7. Central High School ............................................................................................................10 8. Pearl B. Larsen School ........................................................................................................11 9. Eulalie Rivera School ..........................................................................................................11 10. Juanita Gardine School .....................................................................................................11 11. Lew Muckle School ...........................................................................................................12 12. District-Wide Projects (STTJ & STX) ................................................................................12 Internet Connectivity Status ....................................................................................................... 13 New School Construction Projects .............................................................................................. 14 Redistricting Plans & Accommodations ...................................................................................... 19 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 29 Addendums ............................................................................................................................... 30 5 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Introduction Commissioner’s Statement Good morning, Chairperson Kurt A. Vialet, Vice Chair Senator Avery L Lewis; other committee members, Senator Marise C. James, Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff, Senator Franklin D. Johnson, Senator Kenneth L. Gittins and Senator Carla J. Joseph; other members of the 36th legislature; listening and viewing audience. I am Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington, privileged to serve as the Commissioner of Education for the Virgin Islands. Thank you for this opportunity to provide testimony on updates surrounding existing projects, internet connectivity, new schools, and other important updates at the department. Joining me today are members of my team: • Mr. Victor Somme III, Assistant Commissioner • Hasina Harris, Deputy Commissioner of Fiscal • Dr. Symra Dee Gumbs-Brown, Acting Insular Superintendent, STTJ District • Dr. Carla Bastian-Knight, Insular Superintendent, STX District • Vickie Vasquez-Liburd, Director of Procurement • James Richardson, Interim Chief Information Technology Officer • Vladimir Williams, Network System Administrator • Jhonathan Jimenez, Network System Administrator Additional VIDE personnel are on standby to provide detailed insights into specific areas if needed. Again, thank you for your unwavering support and the opportunity to testify today. 6 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Comprehensive List of Projects by School using ARPA Funding The U.S. Department of Education granted approval in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for the territory to use a portion of our American Rescue Plan (ARP) State Educational Agencies in Outlying Areas funding for School Facility Repairs and Improvements. Those projects were contracted in FY23 and are ongoing. The School Facility Repairs and Improvements were to enable operation of schools to reduce risk of virus transmission and exposure to environmental health hazards, and to support student health needs. Allowable activities included the following: • Inspections and testing of school environmental conditions • Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement Projects, • Upgrade projects to improve the indoor air quality in school facilities, including mechanical and non-mechanical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, filtering, purification and other air cleaning, fans, control systems, and window and door repair and replacement. These Projects fell into the broad category of Critical Code Upgrades (CCUs). The St. Croix District Critical Code Upgrades included Capital Projects focused on the following: • Kitchen Modernization Projects to remove old Equipment and replace with updated kitchen equipment to enhance safe and healthy conditions for the preparation of food for our students • Installation of Security Perimeter Fencing around schools and educational facilities to provide added protection for school property, equipment, and supplies • Electrical Upgrades to various schools and educational facilities to ensure schools were able to enhance air-conditioning systems, computer systems, etc. • Acquisition and Installation of Commercial Generators in various schools and educational facilities to assist with continuity of schools during electrical outages • Micro-Grid Solar Energy/Solar Panels Project at the Educational Complex High School • Painting and Installation of Floor Tiles for level safe and sanitary surfaces for students, faculty, and staff • Replacement of Air Conditioning Systems • Acquisition and Installation of New Playground and Physical Fitness Equipment; Renovation of School Basketball Courts at 5 schools; and Tennis Courts and Gym Renovation to enhance recreational opportunities for our children 7 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 • Repairs of Bathrooms and Installation of new equipment to maintain sanitary environments In the St. Croix District, American Rescue Plan funds have been allocated to a robust portfolio of capital projects enhancing school safety, electrical infrastructure, recreational facilities, generators, and specialized renovations across multiple campuses. These initiatives reflect a commitment to modernizing facilities for safer, more resilient learning environments, with many projects either complete, nearing closeout, or actively progressing amid necessary contract adjustments. Electrical upgrades form a cornerstone of the ARP investments, with work completed at Eulalie Rivera School and final payments pending at Finance, while projects at Juanita Gardine and Lew Muckle schools are ongoing after school hours under approved change orders extending timelines to March 2026. Generator installations are advancing at Eulalie Rivera and Pearl B. Larsen schools, where equipment has arrived on island and payment estimates for delivery and switches have been submitted, with contracts valid through late February 2026. Project management support from HKT Energy Consulting is pending revised invoices for generator and electrical oversight at sites including Pearl B. Larsen, Curriculum Center, Eulalie Rivera, and St. Croix Educational Complex. Security and communication enhancements are also underway, including perimeter fencing repairs and installations districtwide by Continental Construction, with change orders approved for time extensions and substantial balances remaining. Intercom systems by Omni Systems are progressing, with Central High School complete, Juanita Gardine equipment ready for March 1 installation, and St. Croix Educational Complex incomplete ahead of contract expiration. Basketball court resurfacing for five schools—Lew Muckle, Eulalie Rivera, Pearl B. Larsen, Ricardo Richards, and Alfredo Andrews—is largely done, with payment estimate submitted for completed work. Renovation projects at Claude O. Markoe Elementary are receiving focused attention, including the original kitchen project nearing final payment with a statement of release submitted, a supplemental kitchen project with notice to proceed pending, and gymnasium renovations advancing via change orders for time extensions, scope adjustments to HVAC units, and removal of bleachers, with initial payments processed. Kitchen renovations at Eulalie Rivera and bathroom upgrades at Central High School face contract expirations but have new agreements in preparation or payment estimates pending, while assessment task orders by Cube Root are awaiting revised invoices to address unallowable charges. Overall, the St. Croix ARP projects total over $9.9 million in obligations, with approximately $2.67 million liquidated to date and more than $7 million in balances available to complete active work, demonstrating steady progress toward safer, modernized facilities despite administrative hurdles like change orders and invoice revisions. In the St. Thomas–St. John District, ARP capital projects currently being worked on include security, infrastructure, accessibility, and communication upgrades across multiple campuses. 8 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Several of these projects are either in progress, nearing closeout, or awaiting invoice correction and processing. Work is ongoing on the Construction and Maintenance Management services for air quality and HVAC enhancement, where the project is complete, but invoices submitted contain errors and non‑reimbursable items that must be resolved before payment. ADA-compliant classroom renovations at Joseph Gomez are active under a contract expiring in April 2025, with the final payment estimate already submitted and under review. Perimeter fencing repair and installation at Ivanna Eudora Kean, Joseph Gomez, and Ulla Muller is underway, with the vendor having submitted a payment estimate for mobilization and drawings that is pending processing. Generator and electrical infrastructure work also remains in progress. At Bertha C. Boschulte, the large industrial generator has been purchased and partially paid, with a remaining balance to complete all associated work. Generator projects at Julius Sprauve, Bertha C. Boschulte, and Guy Benjamin have begun, with partial payments made and substantial balances remaining for installation and completion. Electrical upgrades at Joseph Gomez, Ivanna Eudora Kean, and Jane E. Tuitt are active, with work ongoing and payment estimates submitted or in early stages of execution. The LED electronic signage boards for the St. Thomas–St. John District are being implemented, with most of the contract paid but a remaining balance tied to a contract extension pending approval so the contractor can complete configurations at the remaining schools. The districtwide security camera system project is physically complete, and the vendor has submitted payment for processing, with a final purchase order modification pending so the last payment can be issued. Overall, the St. Thomas–St. John District ARP projects total over $11.7 million in obligations, with approximately $6.1 million liquidated to date and more than $5 million in balances available to complete active work, demonstrating steady progress toward safer, modernized facilities despite administrative hurdles like change orders and invoice revisions. Unfortunately, at the end of March 2025, VIDE and State Educational Agencies across the 50 states and territories were informed by the U.S. Department of Education that our formerly approved ARP federal grant Liquidation Period extended until March 28, 2026, was cancelled. The cancellation of the formerly approved Liquidation period negatively affected the progress of several ARP Funded Capital Projects and resulted in delays with our previously established completion dates. After several months of VIDE submitting Justifications for restoring the ARP grant liquidation period, several states appealing the Trump Administration’s decision, and the in-person appeal of Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. to Secretary Linda McMahon, in August 2025, the Virgin Islands was approved to re-start the submission of our requests for reimbursements to the U.S. Department of Education for expenditures made with 100% local Government of the Virgin Islands funding. This testimony provides a comprehensive summary of capital improvement, electrical upgrades, generator installations, school renovations, security systems, and associated maintenance projects currently underway in the St. Thomas–St. John (STTJ) and St. Croix (STX) Districts funded by 9 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP). The listed projects represent significant investments in public infrastructure aimed at improving safety, resiliency, and educational environments for students and staff. Below is a detailed report on the scope of each project to include the vendor and project cost. SCHOOL FACILITY PROJECT STATUS REPORT As of January 28, 2026 Total Projects Awarded: 31 Total Value: $18,705,638.71 Amount Liquidated: $7,821,993.97 Remaining to be Liquidated: $10,883,644.74 1. Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School Project Category: Generators and Electrical Upgrades • Vendor: Haugland Virgin Islands, Inc. o Scope: Delivery and purchase of a 1,250-kW industrial generator o Contract Amount: $1,836,000.00 • Vendor: Charles Electrical Services, LLC o Scope: Installation of generator and transfer switch o Contract Amount: $730,138.50 2. Julius Sprauve School Project Category: Generator Installation and Security Systems • Vendor: Charles Electrical Services o Scope: Generator installation o Contract Amount: $739,530.00 • Vendor: SmartNet, LLC o Scope: Security camera system installation o Contract Amount: $2,497,802.45 (multi-school contract) 3. Guy Benjamin School Project Category: Generator Installation • Vendor: Haugland Virgin Islands, Inc. o Scope: Purchase and installation of generator o Contract Amount: $465,050.00 10 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 4. Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Project Category: Electrical and Perimeter Security • Vendor: Leslie’s Electric, LLC o Scope: Electrical upgrades o Contract Amount: $482,350.00 • Vendor: Rumina Construction o Scope: Perimeter fencing repair and installation (St. Thomas district contract) o Contract Amount: $1,149,417.50 5. Joseph Gomez School Project Category: Electrical, ADA, and Perimeter Improvements • Vendor: Charles Electrical Services o Scope: Electrical upgrades o Contract Amount: $899,275.00 • Vendor: Professional Design/Builders, Inc. o Scope: ADA-compliant classroom renovations o Contract Amount: $215,647.00 • Vendor: Rumina Construction o Scope: Perimeter fencing repair and installation o Contract Amount: (see IEKHS) 6. Claude O. Markoe School Project Category: Kitchen and Gymnasium Renovations • Vendor: DVD Construction o Scope: Kitchen renovation o Contract Amount: $360,400.00 • Vendor: Caribbean Contracting Services, LLC o Scope: Gymnasium renovation o Contract Amount: $854,200.00 7. Central High School Project Category: Intercom and Facility Renovations • Vendor: Omni Systems, Inc. o Scope: Intercom system installation (multi-school contract) • Vendor: Lightning Construction 11 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 o Scope: Bathroom renovations o Contract Amount: $249,600.00 8. Pearl B. Larsen School Project Category: Generator Installation and Engineering Services • Vendor: Haugland Virgin Islands, Inc. o Scope: Generator and ATS installation o Contract Amount: $1,304,000.00 • Vendor: HKT Energy Consulting Group, LLC o Scope: Electrical engineering services (multi-school contract) o Contract Amount: (see Eulalie Rivera) 9. Eulalie Rivera School Project Category: Generator, Electrical and Engineering Services • Vendor: Haugland Virgin Islands, Inc. o Scope: Generator and automatic transfer switch o Contract Amount: $652,000.00 • Vendor: Haugland Virgin Islands, Inc. o Scope: Electrical upgrades o Contract Amount: $727,000.00 • Vendor: HKT Energy Consulting Group, LLC o Scope: Electrical engineering, generator design, bid documents, and distribution systems (multi-school contract) o Contract Amount: $35,250.00 • Vendor: Lightning Construction o Scope: Kitchen Equipment Installation o Contract Amount: $165,000.00 10. Juanita Gardine School Project Category: Electrical, Intercom, and Security Systems • Vendor: Haugland Virgin Islands, Inc. o Scope: Electrical upgrades o Contract Amount: $597,000.00 • Vendor: Omni Systems, Inc. o Scope: Intercom system installation 12 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 o Contract Amount: $792,573.36 (multi-school contract) • Vendor: SmartNet, LLC o Scope: Security camera system installation o Contract Amount: 11. Lew Muckle School Project Category: Electrical Upgrades and Facility Improvements • Vendor: Continental Construction & Engineering o Scope: Electrical upgrades o Contract Amount: $483,776.94 • Vendor: Professional Design Builders o Scope: Basketball court resurfacing (district-wide contract) o Contract Amount: $279,820.00 12. District-Wide Projects (STTJ & STX) • Vendor: SmartNet, LLC o Scope: Security Camera Systems o Contract Amount: $2,497,802.45 • Vendor: Omni Systems, Inc. o Scope: Intercom Systems o Contract Amount: $792,573.36 • Vendor: Continental Construction & Engineering o Scope: Perimeter Fencing (STX District) o Contract Amount: $798,533.82 • Vendor: Cube Root Corporation o Scope: HVAC and Air Quality Enhancements (Territory-wide) o Contract Amount: $250,000.00 • Vendor: Top Line Recreation Inc. o Scope: Playground Equipment o Contract Amount: $274,783.60 • Vendor: Rock Vision LLC o Scope: LED Signage Boards (St. Thomas District) o Contract Amount: $771,256.60 13 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Internet Connectivity Status Virgin Islands Department of Education - Technology Infrastructure Update Since the start of the current school year, the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) has been faced with ongoing network and internet connectivity challenges, primarily impacting schools on St. Thomas. Because the Department’s primary Network Operations Center resides on the St. Thomas District, these disruptions have also directly impacted St. Croix, resulting in territory-wide interruptions. These challenges are largely due to aging infrastructure, outdated equipment, and recurring system failures across both districts. A major contributing factor has been the frequency of territory-wide power outages, which has damaged critical technology equipment, particularly battery backup systems needed to protect and maintain operations during power interruptions. In response, the VIDE Information Technology team has implemented various short-term stabilization measures which include the critical upgrade of a major central server. This improvement allows for faster restoration of services following outages and replaces legacy systems previously in place. While this has improved operational recovery, it is not a sustainable long-term solution given the continued instability of the school’s power grid and the ongoing challenges associated with WAPA service interruptions. To address these systemic concerns, VIDE has been actively working to secure federal funding through the E-Rate Program. This federal initiative provides discounted support to our school’s telecommunication services, internet access, and internal network infrastructures. Through E-Rate, the Department plans to modernize its technology environment by replacing outdated equipment, installing new modernized backup battery systems, upgrading internal network infrastructure, and expanding the wireless connectivity across school campuses. The Department is currently in its final stages of contract development and anticipates releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) in March for the first phase of territory-wide supply, installation, and maintenance of battery systems. Due to limited internal staffing capacity, these services will be outsourced to ensure a timely, efficient, and professional implementation. In the next phase, VIDE will be replacing deteriorating cabling and upgrading obsolete network electronics which will further enhance network throughput and reliability throughout the territory. These investments are mission critical to support future expansion and the evolving technology demands. In subsequent phases, the Department will begin expanding wireless coverage in classrooms across the territory. These improvements will enhance digital learning, strengthen instructional technology, and provide more reliable internet access for students and staff. VIDE has also identified the need for a dedicated generator to support critical technology operations during extended power outages. While a generator would significantly enhance system reliability, no funding source has currently been identified for this component, as generator purchases are not eligible under E-Rate funding guidelines. Further support is essential to complete this critical infrastructure upgrade. 14 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 In summary, while recent improvements have increased short-term network stability, long-term sustainability will require continued infrastructure investments. Federal E-Rate funding remains a critical mechanism to modernize the Department’s technology systems, improve reliability, and ensure uninterrupted educational services throughout the Virgin Islands. Summer Maintenance Timelines & Kitchen Equipment Installation Information on the summer maintenance timelines and the status of kitchen equipment installation will be provided by the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance. New School Construction Projects The new school construction projects are moving forward, including the Charlotte Amalie High School and Arthur A. Richards Junior High School. St. Croix District Updates New Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School is scheduled to open in August of 2026. Furniture has been ordered, and all new technology, computers, books, and other contents have been specified by VIDE and will be provided by the design-build contractor for this turnkey project. 15 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 New St. Croix Central High School Design of the St. Croix Central High School has received a favorable Federal Consistency Determination from DPNR and FEMA approval of the design. Early work will begin this summer and consists of demolition of the existing hurricane-damaged gymnasium. St. Croix Education Complex The design for the Modernization of the St. Croix Education Complex is pending FEMA approval of the Saferoom. The construction contract was recently signed. Early work will begin this summer. Swing spaces on the existing campus will be prepared to receive students, and work will proceed on the campus in phases. The student population is significantly below capacity. Swing spaces will be turnkey with renovated learning spaces, new furniture, and new computers for students and teachers. St. Croix Bundle The St. Croix Bundle projects – new schools at Markoe, Henderson, Andrews, Larsen, and the St. Croix Education Administration Center (STX Admin. Center) – are in the design phase and will be submitted to DPNR for Federal Consistency Determination (FCD) approval as the designs develop. The first FCD submittals will be for Markoe and Henderson. The STX Admin. Center is to be located at the former Diageo property and will carry the name of the Headquarters, and the historic headquarters will be shuttered. 16 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 St. Thomas/St. John District Updates New Charlotte Amalie High School The design for the new Charlotte Amalie High School was pending FEMA approval of the Environmental Assessment Report. The first construction activities will include establishing a laydown area adjacent to the west access road that was used to demolish Buildings “A”, “B”, and “C” under a lease from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA). Earth movement and laying of foundations for the first two classroom buildings will then begin in the open space created by the demolition of Buildings “A”, “B”, and “C”. Swing space near the existing campus will be prepared to receive students. The swing space will be turnkey with renovated learning spaces, new furniture, and new computers for students and teachers. Once students outside the field and in the Wheatley Annex move into the swing space, work will proceed on the rest of the northern portion of the campus outside the field. By using the swing space, the required school buildings will be completed in a single phase, saving construction time and associated inflation costs. Less money spent on inflation means more funds to be spent on bricks and mortar for the students. The work expected this Summer required FEMA Environmental and Historic Preservation approval that was received the last week of January and includes the following: • Contractor Mobilization with construction fence and trailers, activation of western access road, and installation of erosion control measures • Heavy earth moving to support retaining structures in the area where the old buildings were demolished 17 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 • Begin construction of foundations and site/retaining structures for new classroom buildings • Installation of new utilities Modernized Bertha C. Boschulte PreK-8 School The design for the Modernization of the Bertha C. Boschulte PreK-8 School has received FEMA approval and a favorable FCD from DPNR. Work is scheduled to begin this summer. Swing spaces on the existing campus will be prepared to receive students, and work will proceed on the campus in phases. The student population is below capacity; therefore, students will be relocated to swing spaces within the existing campus to accommodate phased construction. Swing spaces will be renovated into a turnkey with new furniture and new computers for students and teachers. On a different note, a separate application for the Saferoom has been submitted to FEMA for approval. The contractor has completed the design drawings to 90% and has already begun to mobilize to the site. Trailers have been placed on the site and work will commence by this Summer to include the following: • Begin replacement of roof top AC Units, work will be ongoing all summer and continue into the fall • Begin replacement of AC units in classrooms to the extent allowed using the existing electrical system. Additional work that may require electrical system upgrades will be done later • Replacement of flat roofs (membrane roofs) • Begin replacement of windows, window replacement will be ongoing all summer and continue into the fall • Begin removal of old equipment and patching of exterior walls 18 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 • Begin renovation of the Gymnasium, Classroom Wing “J”, and Classroom Wing “K” including: o Ceilings o Walls o Light Fixtures o Fire Alarm o Electrical Devices o Floor Finishes o Wall Finishes o Plumbing Upgrades o Fire Protection o Gym Floor Repairs, and, o Replacement of Athletic Equipment Note that the Contractor is currently finalizing design and logistics planning and determining exactly what scope will be for the “Day 0 - Full Renovation” for this project and the information above is current as of today. 19 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 New Julius E. Sprauve PreK-12 School The design of the new Julius E. Sprauve PreK-8 School on St. John has progressed to 60%. DPNR is reviewing the FCD. A no-build zone has been identified to protect historic resources, and the school’s access road is being modified to incorporate a recommendation from the contractor and avoid the no-build zone. The Department of Property and Procurement is working with the Virgin Islands Housing Authority to acquire land diagonally across the street from the new Sprauve to construct a ball field. Abraham Modernization Project The design of an Addition to the Skills Center at the Gladys Abraham Campus is 30% complete and pending DPNR FCD modification and FEMA approval. Both approvals are expected in a few months, and work should begin this fall subject to these approvals. The work will consist of an expansion to the kitchen to address structural issues with an additional classroom space above the expanded kitchen. The front of the building will also be expanded to provide additional administrative and circulation space. The buildings slated for demolition will finally be demolished. Edith Willliams Alternative Academy The design of a Demolition and Addition to the Edith Williams Alternative Academy is 30% complete and pending DPNR FCD modification and FEMA approval. The project will be placed out for bids as a single project to encourage participation by smaller firms. St. Thomas Bundle The St. Thomas Bundle projects – new schools at Kean, Oliver, Tuitt at Muller, Tuitt Early Childhood Center, along with additions and modernizations to Bowsky and Lockhart, and a new St. Thomas Education Administration Center (STT Admin. Center) – are in the design phase and are being submitted to DPNR for Federal Consistency Determination (FCD) approval as soon as the designs develop. One project has received both a favorable FCD from DPNR and FEMA approval of the design – Lockhart. Early work is being planned. The start of the early work is contingent on the completion of the swing space for CAHS. Once CAHS students are relocated out of the Wheatly Annex and into the swing space, students at Lockhart will be relocated from selected modulars at Lockhart into the Wheatly Annex to allow those modulars to be removed and the land to be used as a laydown area. Redistricting Plans & Accommodations John H. Woodson Junior High School currently serves 441 seventh- and eighth-grade students, supported by 76 faculty and staff members, one Dean of Students, and two School Administrators. Due to ongoing environmental concerns beyond repair, John H. Woodson Junior High School will transition to a new location at the Eulalie Rivera Campus in June 2026. The Eulalie Rivera Campus has more than sufficient classroom capacity and includes some of the largest instructional spaces in the district, providing ample teaching and learning environments to 20 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 support the John Woodson Junior High School community. This relocation will require a significant redistricting of students to ensure school attendance aligns more closely with neighborhood proximity and to reduce excessive transportation distances to the Eulalie Rivera Campus, which lies outside the Mid-Island district. For example, students currently feeding from Lew Muckle Elementary School and Ricardo Richards Elementary School will instead transition into Juanita Gardine K–8 School and Pearl B. Larsen PK–8 School for grades seven and eight, based on their verified home addresses. Students currently attending Alfredo Andrews Elementary School will continue to feed into John H. Woodson Junior High School, now housed at the Eulalie Rivera Campus. To ensure adequate spacing across all schools, the district will eliminate all existing Out-of-District Approvals previously granted to families. Residents of western neighborhoods will not be granted attendance at schools such as Pearl B. Larsen PK–8, Lew Muckle Elementary, or Ricardo Richards Elementary. It is inequitable for students residing in neighborhoods such as Strawberry or Sunny Acres to be unable to attend their neighborhood school due to seats being occupied by students residing on the western side of the island. This creates hardships for families who must provide their own transportation and results in additional transportation costs for the department when students are transported to schools far from their homes. During the months of February and March, the district will implement a comprehensive communication plan utilizing print and audio messaging to ensure families are informed in a timely manner, particularly those most impacted by these changes. Additionally, the department will host in-person meetings for families of current Eulalie Rivera PK–8 students who are scheduled to transition as a true PK–8 cohort into the Arthur A. Richards Campus, similar meeting for those families of the current John H. Woodson Junior High School. District staff, School Registrars, and System Analysts are currently executing the district’s Prep- to-Build exercise in collaboration with the PowerSchool Support team in preparation for the upcoming school year. This work includes classroom projections and course scheduling for the new Arthur Richards PK-8 School and the new home of the John H. Woodson Family. The Virgin Islands Department of Education has developed a comprehensive Transition Plan in collaboration with key stakeholders, outlining benchmark deadlines for communication and action to ensure a smooth districtwide operation. This includes notice to employees of new campus assignments, and School Leadership shifts that will be required due to separations and projected retirements. As staff shortages continue to affect classroom coverage, the plan supports the strategic right-sizing of instructional staff and equitable placement of support across the district, the transition to new workspaces and learning environments, and the successful opening of the 2026–2027 School Year. As the department embarks on this student-centered, data-driven and intentional shift in the district, we welcome the support, and collaboration of our community, and the families we serve daily. 21 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, serving 583 students, supported by 93 faculty and staff and three administrators, has faced significant instructional challenges due to ongoing infrastructure and resource constraints. In response to these conditions, the school was placed on an abbreviated instructional schedule, on Monday, November 17, 2025, operating from 7:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily. Despite the shortened day, the administration ensured that both breakfast and lunch were provided to all students, maintaining our commitment to student nutrition and well‑being. During deliberations with the teachers’ union, the possibility of transitioning the school to a full virtual instructional model was explored. While this option was considered carefully, it ultimately proved not feasible. Two primary barriers prevented the implementation of a fully remote schedule: • Student Connectivity Limitations – A significant portion of our student population does not have reliable internet access at home, making consistent participation in virtual learning impossible for many. • Insufficient Access to Individual Devices – A notable percentage of students do not possess personal laptops or tablets, and the school’s device inventory is insufficient to guarantee one‑to‑one distribution. To better understand the potential impact of a virtual transition, the school conducted a parent poll. 204 of 563 parents responded, representing a substantial portion of our school community. Specifically, the following items would have been available for students, provided by parents: 188 laptops, 51 cellphones, 43 tablets, and 15 desktops. The results were clear: 75 percent indicated that their child would be at a disadvantage if instruction moved fully online. This data underscores the inequities that would arise from a virtual model and highlights the importance of maintaining in‑person access whenever safely possible. Given these realities, the abbreviated in‑person schedule was the most equitable and educationally sound option available. It allowed us to preserve face‑to‑face instruction, maintain essential student services, and uphold our responsibility to provide accessible education to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status or home technology resources. Moreover, the bussing situation was another factor in our decision making. Bussing for this extra run is $3000.00 per day because an abbreviated day for the school would mean that buses would pick up students from BCB, take those children to their stops, and return to the other nine schools two hours later when all other activity centers are dismissed. The abbreviated day is still ongoing at BCB, and presently we do not have a return to full schedule day. Ultimately, our decisions made at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School were guided by our commitment to student safety, and instructional continuity. We remain dedicated to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that our students receive the high‑quality education they deserve, even under challenging circumstances. 22 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Charlotte Amalie High School – presently serving 949 students is preparing for a new building project designed to meet these needs of student -centered goals. Our district has undertaken the planning of a new facility designed specifically for grades 10–12. This project will allow us to expand academic programming, modernize science, technology, and career‑technical spaces, improve safety and accessibility, and to provide students with the high‑quality environment they deserve. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, and the project timeline requires us to prepare now for the transition period. In the interim, the need for “Swing Space” during construction, we must relocate our 710 tenth through twelfth graders to an appropriate transitory space. This temporary facility must be capable of supporting all core academic classes, elective offerings, special education services, technology access, and adequate cafeteria, library, which should also include student support spaces. Specifically, the plan entails specialized subjects such as JROTC, Music and Culinary Arts, Auto Body, Automotive, and self-contained Special Education programs along with their core subject areas will remain on the main campus. The daily schedule for each student will be designed around students not having to traverse a long distance between classes and class periods. This investment today ensures that our students do not lose instructional time, that our teachers can continue delivering high‑quality instruction, and that the new building can be completed on schedule. Every year of delay compounds the challenges our students face and increases the cost to all stakeholders A swing space is not a luxury, it is a non‑negotiable requirement to keep students learning safely and without interruption. Without it, construction cannot proceed, and our students would face significant disruptions to their education. Construction for Charlotte Amalie High is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, and the project timeline requires us to prepare now for the transition period. In the interim, the need for “Swing Space” during construction, we must relocate our 710 tenth through twelfth graders to an appropriate transitory space. This temporary facility must be capable of supporting all core academic classes, elective offerings, special education services, technology access, and adequate cafeteria, library, which should also include student support spaces. Specifically, the plan entails specialized subjects such as JROTC, Music and Culinary Arts, Auto Body and Automotive classes along with their core subject areas will remain on the campus. The daily interim schedule for each student will be designed around students not having to traverse a long distance between classes and/or class periods. Thirty–one (31) classrooms will remain on the main campus to accommodate 479 students, and the swing space will need to be prepared for 470 students for a total of 89 classes or sessions of courses in one day. This investment today ensures that our students do not lose instructional time, that our teachers can continue delivering high‑quality instruction, and that the new building can be completed on 23 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 schedule. Every year of delay compounds the challenges our students face. Every year of delay increases the cost to all stakeholders. A swing space is not a luxury, it is a non‑negotiable requirement to keep students learning safely and without interruption. Without it, construction cannot proceed, and our students would face significant disruptions to their education. Enrollment & Attendance Challenges Student enrollment in Virgin Islands public schools for the 2025–2026 school year provides an important snapshot of the size of the territory’s public education system. The table shows how many students are enrolled in Virgin Islands public schools by grade level and by school for the 2025–2026 school year, as of September 30, 2025. It is divided into the St. Thomas–St. John and St. Croix districts, listing each school and the number of students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, then summing those to district totals. The St. Thomas–St. John District has 5,292 students and the St. Croix District has 5,005 students, for an overall Virgin Islands public school enrollment of 10,297 students. School attendance plays a critical role in students’ academic success, yet many schools face ongoing challenges ensuring that students are present and engaged every day. These challenges can stem from a range of factors, including health issues, transportation barriers, family responsibilities, and students’ social-emotional needs. Understanding the patterns and root causes 24 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 of absenteeism is essential for developing effective strategies that keep students connected to their learning. The Virgin Islands public school attendance summaries for 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 (unofficial) reveal a troubling trend of increasing daily absences across both districts. The 2024–2025 Public Schools Attendance Summary for the Virgin Islands shows an average daily membership of 10,022 students, with 9,307 students attending and 703 students absent on a typical day, indicating a substantial attendance challenge across both districts. The 2025–2026 (unofficial) summary, covering the first 98 days of school, reports a slightly lower average daily membership of 9,612 students and 8,861 in attendance, yet the number of average daily absentees has risen to 779 students territory-wide. This means that, even with fewer enrolled students overall, more students are absent each day in 2025–2026 than in 2024–2025, signaling that the attendance problem is worsening rather than improving. At the district level, St. Thomas–St. John’s average daily absences increased from 255 to 341, and St. Croix’s from 448 to 438, contributing to the overall rise in daily absences and underscoring growing concerns about consistent student participation in school. 25 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 In the next sections, we will explore the key attendance issues affecting our schools and consider how they impact both individual student outcomes and overall school performance, with particular attention to the distinct challenges faced in each district. St. Croix District Professional Data Summary on Chronic Absenteeism Our district continues to face persistent challenges related to chronic absenteeism, with the highest rates occurring in our primary grade levels. This trend is especially concerning because early-grade attendance lays the foundation for long-term academic success. At these ages, students rely heavily on parents and caregivers for transportation and daily routines, which underscores the importance of strengthening family engagement and reinforcing the message that consistent attendance is essential for learning. We recognize the need to help parents better understand that when students are not in school, they miss critical instructional time that cannot be replicated. Chronic absence not only affects individual student performance but also has broader implications for the district’s overall academic standing. 26 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 How Chronic Absenteeism Impacts Student Achievement • Reduced instructional time: Students who miss school frequently lose exposure to core content, leading to gaps in foundational skills that directly influence performance on standardized assessments. • Lower proficiency rates: Chronic absenteeism is strongly correlated with lower reading and math proficiency, especially in early grades where foundational literacy and numeracy skills are developed. • Interrupted learning progression: Frequent absences disrupt the continuity of instruction, making it harder for students to keep pace with grade-level expectations and prepare effectively for assessments. • Increased need for remediation: Students with poor attendance often require additional interventions, which can strain instructional resources and limit opportunities for enrichment. • Long-term consequences: Students who are chronically absent in elementary school are significantly more likely to struggle academically in middle and high school, are at higher risk of not graduating, and often end up being inappropriately referred for special education services when their difficulties stem from years of missed instruction rather than an underlying disability. The Strain on STX-District Special Education Services Chronic absenteeism creates a significant burden on the Division of Special Education and complicates our ability to appropriately identify and serve students with disabilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we must determine if a student's academic or behavioral difficulties are primarily due to a lack of appropriate instruction known as an exclusionary factor. When a student has chronic absenteeism, it becomes nearly impossible to rule out lack of instruction as the primary cause of their struggles. This creates a cascade of problems. Evaluations must be delayed until attendance improves, test results may reflect missed instruction rather than an underlying disability, and our Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) process cannot effectively monitor whether interventions are working without consistent attendance. Most concerning, we have observed a troubling trend where students with chronic absenteeism and resulting low grades are being referred for special education evaluations when the root cause is attendance and lack of instruction, not disability. This diverts special education staff from serving students with genuine disabilities and makes it extremely challenging to fulfill our federal obligations under IDEA. The Department of Education cannot address this alone. Chronic absenteeism is rarely caused by a single factor. Behind every chronically absent student are complex circumstances that extend far beyond the school’s door. While the Department of Education can identify absent students, track 27 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 patterns, and engage families, we do not have the authority or resources to address the root causes of absenteeism. This is not an education problem; it is a community crisis that requires coordinated action across multiple government agencies. We need partners who can provide the social services, health interventions, and enforcement mechanisms necessary to ensure every child attends school. Families experiencing housing instability need support from the Department of Human Services. Students facing health barriers need intervention from the Department of Health. When families refuse to cooperate, we need enforcement from the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Family Division of the Superior Court. We need their active partnership, not occasional assistance, but sustained, coordinated collaboration to address this crisis effectively. Chronic absenteeism is a community crisis that requires a coordinated, territory-wide response. We cannot counsel our way out of poverty. We cannot teach students who are not in our classrooms. We cannot solve housing instability or mental health crises from inside the schools. Based on our Exit Entry Report, there are 282 students who would be considered transferred out the district during the first two quarters of the SY 2025-2026. Number of Students Exit Code 2 Transferred to different school within the same district 8 Transferred between districts 32 Transferred to nonpublic school within the territory 65 NO SHOW 120 Transferred outside the USVI 6 Withdrew for personal or academic reasons 2 Student enrolled in Adult Education 10 Not enrolled/status unknown 3 Deceased 6 Transferred from Central Office 25 Home School 3 Grade Level Change (Age Appropriate) St. Thomas/ St. John District Professional Data Summary on Chronic Absenteeism As we entered the 2025–2026 school year, our district continues to confront ongoing challenges related to student attendance and absenteeism. During the 2024–2025 school year, we experienced a noticeable decline in overall attendance, reflecting broader trends that have impacted schools nationwide. These patterns underscored the need for renewed focus on consistent student engagement, early intervention, and stronger partnerships with families and community organizations. 28 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 During the 2024-2025 school year, and in response to rising concerns regarding student attendance, our district implemented a campaign designed to promote consistent daily participation. As part of this initiative, classes that achieved 100 percent attendance for the month were recognized and rewarded with cupcakes and other donated treats provided by a committed community stakeholder. While simple in nature, these incentives created a positive, school‑wide culture of healthy competition that resonated with both students and families. Despite these challenges, the current school year has shown encouraging signs of progress. Early data across all grade levels indicate an increase in attendance participation, suggesting that our targeted strategies and collaborative efforts are beginning to make a positive impact. While this improvement is promising, we recognize that sustained progress will require continued commitment, consistent monitoring, and ongoing support for students and families. Parents expressed appreciation for the clear and encouraging message that regular attendance is essential to academic success. Students, in turn, embraced the challenge, demonstrating increased enthusiasm and accountability for being present and on time. Throughout the campaign, the district was able to capture valuable attendance data, allowing us to monitor progress, identify trends, and refine our strategies in real time. This initiative illustrates the power of community partnership, student engagement, and proactive intervention. By reinforcing the importance of daily attendance in a supportive and motivating way, we made meaningful strides toward reducing absenteeism and strengthening the foundation for student achievement. Our district remains dedicated to addressing the root causes of absenteeism, promoting a culture of regular attendance, and ensuring that every student can fully participate in their learning experience. Based on our Exit Entry Report, there are students who would be considered transferred out the St. Thomas, St. John District during the first two quarters of the SY 2025-2026. Number of Students Exit Code 116 Transferred to a school outside of the USVI 87 Not enrolled and status unknown 52 Transferred to a nonpublic school within the territory 35 No Show 22 Transferred to Adult Ed, Skill Center or Job Corps 23 Home School 15 Transferred to different school within the same district 10 Withdrawn for personal or academic reasons 9 Transferred to a school outside of the USVI 4 Transferred between districts 2 Transferred from Central Enrollment 29 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 2 Transferred to a nonpublic school within the territory 2 Not enrolled and status unknown 1 Transferred to Adult Ed, Skill Center or Job Corps 1 Transferred to a school outside of the USVI 1 Transferred to different school within the same district Conclusion In total, the ongoing projects in the St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix Districts represent a substantial investment in the modernization and maintenance of the electrical infrastructure, emergency power generation, life-safety systems, instructional facilities and student amenities across the Territories public schools. While meaningful progress has been made, several projects are still pending completion. It is critical that continued administrative coordination between the BSCM and VIDE is maintained throughout the remaining life cycle of the outstanding contracts. Through continued collaboration and effective communication, BSCM/VIDE can ensure funds are managed effectively, contracts are executed on time, and that these essential projects are completed for the benefit of our students, educators and the broader community. 30 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Addendums Maintenance Challenges – STX District 31 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 32 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 33 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 34 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 35 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 36 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 37 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 38 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 39 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 40 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 41 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 42 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 43 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 44 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 45 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 46 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 47 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Maintenance Challenges – STTJ District 48 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 49 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 50 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 51 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 52 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 53 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 54 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 55 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 56 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 57 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802 58 of 58 Virgin Islands Department of Education 1834 Kongens Gade St. Thomas, USVI 00802