Virgin Islands Department of Education Announces Modified Schedule for St. Croix District High Schools

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) St. Croix District Insular Superintendent Dr. Sharlene Belton-Gonzalez announces a modified schedule for the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, the Career and Technical Center, and the St. Croix Central High School. This new schedule will take effect on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in response to the ongoing heatwave impacting the Territory and concerns about extreme classroom temperatures.

Recent job actions, including a mass sick-out by teachers, have highlighted the unbearable heat conditions in some classrooms. The VIDE acknowledges these issues and is actively working to resolve them. The Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance is overseeing maintenance concerns and has already begun implementing solutions such as electrical assessments and upgrades, prior to any job action or protest. Ongoing work across the districts have included the installation of air conditioning units, additional fans, and other necessary repairs. Maintenance teams are working to improve the conditions for both educators and students by addressing these heat-related challenges.

While the VIDE continues to tackle these infrastructural issues, it remains committed to minimizing disruptions to student learning and instruction. Ensuring consistent classroom attendance is critical to reducing learning loss, which can severely impact student success.

All students, faculty, and staff at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, the Career and Technical Center, and St. Croix Central High School are required to adhere to the following abbreviated schedule starting on October 3, 2024. This schedule will remain in effect until further notice. Lunch will be available for all students and bus transportation services will continue to be provided for students who utilize the school bus.

- 1st Period:                  7:40 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. 

- 2nd Period:                 8:50 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. 

- 3rd Period:                 10:00 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. 

- 4th Period:                 11:10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

- Lunch:                       12:20 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.

- Dismissal:                  1:05 p.m.