Protests Erupt at Lockhart K-8 School Over Failing Air Conditioning and Other Concerns

Thursday morning saw a surge of frustration spill over at Lockhart K-8 School on St. Thomas as school kitchen workers, joined by students, protested current working and learning conditions, particularly the lack of functioning air conditioning in critical common areas.

The protest, sparked by malfunctioning or broken AC units in the cafeteria, kitchen, and other key spaces, follows closely on the heels of a similar demonstration at Joseph Gomez Elementary School on Wednesday.

Their demonstration quickly caught the attention of top officials from the Virgin Islands Education Department (VIDE), including Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Insular Superintendent Stefan Jürgen, and Craig Benjamin, the newly appointed Director of the Bureau of School Maintenance and Construction.

In a video release from the department Thursday, Benjamin acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “We heard all the pressing concerns of staff and faculty, and while we are committed to addressing all the issues, it’s going to take some time. We’re working to expedite what needs to be done quickly.”