VIPD Officers Assist Dept. of Education With School Security After Monitors on St. Croix Stage Protest

School monitors on St. Croix at a number of public learning facilities on Thursday participated in a labor action, leaving several schools without security which prompted the V.I. Police Department to substitute in their absence.

According to several parents, the St. Croix Educational Complex and the John H. Woodson Junior High School were being assisted by V.I.P.D. officers Thursday after monitors did not show up to work.

The monitors are said to be protesting against the proliferation in violence at public schools, but also for pay increases.

The V.I. Dept. of Education told the Consortium that department officials held discussions with monitors on Wednesday. "Today, we experienced monitor shortages at some schools in the St. Croix District. With the numbers of recent fights, our monitors have rightly expressed concerns about their safety," D.O.E. said Thursday. "Department leaders met with school monitors yesterday, and we share in their concerns. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to violence on school campuses."

The department said all incidents were being investigated and those involved will be held accountable.