Education Dept. appoints new superintendent to lead St. Croix district

The V.I. Education Department on Wednesday announced that Sharlene Belton-Gonzalez has been appointed to serve as insular superintendent for public schools in the St. Croix district.

According to the Education Department, Belton-Gonzalez’s career began as a high school Spanish teacher and, over the next 12 years, she also taught English as a second language, elementary-level bilingual classes, and English classes in the Dominican Republic. Belton-Gonzalez then transitioned to school administration, working as an assistant principal in Texas. She served as director of bilingual and ESL programs before becoming a high school principal, and she eventually assumed the role of English Learner Programs coordinator.

Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington said Belton-Gonzalez’s “passion for education and her eagerness to be of service to the people of St. Croix is truly inspiring.” “I am honored and excited to join the St. Croix District and to work alongside such dedicated educators and staff,” Belton-Gonzalez said, according to an Education press release. “Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”