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#3022 Estate Golden Rock - Christiansted St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00820 Office: (340) 712-2256 | senatorkurtvialet@legvi.org 36th Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands Committee on Education and Workforce Development Memorandum TO: Mrs. Kurell A. Sheridan, JD Executive Director 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands FROM: The Honorable Kurt A. Vialet ___________________ Chairman, Committee on Education & Workforce Development DATE: June 18, 2025 RE: Committee Report for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Meeting ___________________________________________________________ Please find attached the report for the Committee on Education and Workforce Development (EWD) meeting held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas. cc: All Senators Chief Legal Counsel Archive Division Journal Division MEMBERS Senator Kurt A. Vialet Chairman senatorkurtvialet@legvi.org (340) 712-2256 Senator Avery L. Lewis Vice Chair senatoraverylewis@legvi.org (340) 774-0880 ext. 3512 Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff ddegraff@legvi.org (340) 774-0880 ext. 3606 Senator Kenneth L. Gittens senatorgittens@legvi.org (340) 773-2424 ext. 2243 Senator Marise C. James mcjames@legvi.org (340) 773-2424 ext. 2303 Senator Carla Joseph senatorcarlajoseph@legvi.org (340) 774-0880 ext. 3515 2 C&EWD Comm. Report 06.17.2025 EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT June 17, 2025 - COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT The Committee on Education and Workforce Development convened its meeting on Tuesday, June 17, in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas. Call to order: Chairman, Senator Kurt A. Vialet called the meeting to order at 9:12 a.m. Committee Members Present: Non-Committee Members Present: Senator Kurt A. Vialet Senator Marvin Blyden Senator Avery L. Lewis Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. Senator Marise C. James Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff Committee Staff: Senator Franklin D. Johnson Gloryvee Christian-Krieger, Chief of Staff Senator Kenneth L. Gittens Samanta Prentice, Legislative Researcher Senator Carla J. Joseph Legal Counsel: Clerk/Timekeeper: Attorney Augustin Ayala Janella John, Communications Manager Protocol Officer: Sergeant-At-Arms: Jervon Ottley Walton Jack, Jr. (STX) Pastor Charles Browne Delvin Fleming (STT) Public Affairs/ Media: Legislative Reporters: Eustace Brown Part I – Natanya Munoz Alwyn Baptiste, Jr. Part II – Tricia D. Sealey Alvin Burke Part III - Joanne Samuel Melissa Gustave Part IV - Vashti Gerald-Berry Bernard Matthew, Sr. Part V – Nadine Williams Diana Cruz Chaunte Herbert Omari Hicks Kashief Hamilton Jamal Potter Dequan Milliner Jahmel Leonard Barry Leerdam The Committee on Education and Workforce Development received testimonies: BLOCK I Mr. Craig Benjamin, Executive Director of the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance, reported 51 planned or active summer projects in the St. Thomas-St. John District and over 80 in 3 C&EWD Comm. Report 06.17.2025 the St. Croix District. These include roof repairs, HVAC upgrades, restroom renovations, structural fixes, and campus improvements. Priority was given to health and safety, code compliance, and infrastructure readiness. The Bureau targeted quick, cost-effective projects like minor plumbing and carpentry, coordinating with the Department of Education to align with FEMA funding. All projects are scheduled for completion by July 31, 2025. Vice Chairperson Emmanuella Perez-Cassius of the Virgin Islands Board of Education testified that the Board’s authority over school facilities has shifted to the Bureau, narrowing its focus to curriculum oversight. She highlighted system strengths such as CTE programs, teacher effectiveness, and inclusive practices, but also cited serious issues—curriculum inconsistencies, overcrowded classrooms, poor learning environments, and overuse of standardized tests. The Board called for urgent reforms, strategic funding, and collaboration to address the challenges facing public education. BLOCK II The committee reviewed Bill No. 36-0049, which would establish a Bureau of School Security within the Department of Education. Assistant Commissioner Victor Somme III supported the intent, highlighting the need for a standardized, coordinated school safety approach. He noted a shortage of police personnel and said a dedicated bureau could improve interagency collaboration. However, Somme expressed concern over the lack of funding, the financial strain on VIDE, and the need to better train existing monitors. He stated the Department could not support the measure at this time. Director Gleston McIntosh of POST, Vice Chairperson Emmanuella Perez-Cassius of the Board of Education, and Assistant Commissioner of VIPD Sean Santos all opposed the bill. McIntosh warned of overlapping duties and urged investment in counselors, training, and improved School Resource Officer protocols. Perez-Cassius said the bill lacked clarity, overlooked mental health needs, and risked over-disciplining Black students, who already face disproportionate disciplinary actions. Santos called the bill inefficient and instead proposed enhancing the Auxiliary Officer Program for school-based law enforcement. Ultimately, Bill No. 36-0049 was held in committee for further review. Senators also reviewed Bill No. 36-0064, sponsored by Senator Kurt Vialet, which seeks to amend Title 33, Chapter 111, Section 3100i of the Virgin Islands Code. The bill aligns the disbursement and spending limitations of the Education Initiative Fund with the practical needs of academic planning, aiming to ensure that funds are used effectively to support student achievement. Assistant Commissioner Victor Somme III of the Virgin Islands Department of Education supported the measure, noting that it would eliminate the restrictive “use it or lose it” rule and allow funds to roll over across fiscal years for more strategic planning. He emphasized the importance of flexibility in addressing operational needs and improving outcomes. Somme also recommended several enhancements, including clearer definitions of eligible expenses, caps on spending, emergency spending protocols, and a funding formula based on school size. He advocated for dedicated funding for district administration and athletics, along with stronger oversight—such as monthly financial reports, annual audits, and penalties for violations. The 4 C&EWD Comm. Report 06.17.2025 measure was seen as a key step toward empowering school leaders, improving transparency, and making public education dollars go further. Bill No. 36-0064 was passed favorably. COMMITTEE REQUESTS: 1. Senator Kurt Vialet requested a report from the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance to share with school leadership and union representatives. 2. Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. requested a detailed status update on the work being done at each school, including projected completion timelines. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS: • Senator Kurt Vialet proposed amending Bill No. 8717 to formally include VIBE in the structure for ongoing updates and discussions. • Senator Carla Joseph recommended utilizing graduates from the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and the Skills Center to perform tasks typically assigned to contractors, as a cost-saving measure. • Senator Dwayne DeGraff suggested that the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance develop a standardized daily maintenance checklist for each school. Adjournment: Chairman, Senator Kurt A. Vialet adjourned the Committee on Education and Workforce Development meeting at 5:06 p.m.