Delayed Health Report Needed to Reopen Schools Adds to Dept. of Education's Staff Losses, Student Growth Woes

V.I. Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington on Monday highlighted the recent loss of 65 education professionals in the USVI public school system, a longstanding challenge that has been strained further by St. Croix's rising student population.

Amid the challenges, the department has yet to receive a crucial readiness report from the V.I. Dept. of Health needed before schools can open next week.

Regarding the growth in student population on St. Croix, Insular Superintendent for the St. Croix District, Ericilda Ottley-Herman, stated, "This school year, our projected enrollment has shown that every grade level except for our kindergarten…and our second grade has started to see an upward trajectory," she said Monday while D.O.E. provided testimony before the Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development.

Wells-Hedrington addressed chronic human resources challenges threatening school districts nationally, drawing attention to the recent loss of over 200 teachers in Florida's Brevard County as an example. Between May 26 and July 21, the territory lost 65 education professionals to resignations or retirements, including 37 from the teaching ranks.

To address this, recruitment efforts include hosting job fairs and hiring international teachers through the J-1 visa exchange program. "We must support our employees,” the commissioner insisted, underlining the importance of preventing further departures.