The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is pleased to announce a meaningful community partnership with Home Depot across the territory. Both store locations on St. Thomas and St. Croix have committed to the generous contributions of fans. This endeavor was made possible by their dedicated teams. On St. Thomas we extend heartfelt gratitude to Destin Thompson, General Manager; Cherene Williams, Operations Manager; and Curtis Joseph, Store Manager. On St. Croix we are grateful to Mr. Aidan Malcolm and his dynamic staff.

Home Depot’s commitment to community development and engagement is evident through this substantial contribution, which will significantly benefit students and faculty in both the St. Thomas-St. John District and the St. Croix District for the 2024-2025 school year. This donation of fans makes a bold statement of support for the Virgin Islands Department of Education, highlighting Home Depot’s dedication to the well-being and education of students.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education expresses its tremendous gratitude to Home Depot. We also acknowledge the diligent work of VIDE’s Director of Partner Relations, Mrs. Monique C. Christian-Creque. Commissioner Wells-Hedrington shared, “We are excited and inspired by Home Depot’s unwavering support and dedication to our school’s territory-wide. This partnership exemplifies the positive impact that businesses can have on education and community development. It also aids in enhancing the learning experience for students by fostering a cool environment during this period of increased temperatures.”

As the Virgin Islands, like many places globally, faces the challenges of an ongoing heatwave with abnormally high temperatures, the need for resources such as fans to provide relief has been a top priority for the VIDE. Home Depot’s act of community-centered kindness represents the true meaning of “it takes a village” to support our students.

This generous donation is not the last of what VIDE will receive from Home Depot. The department will continue to benefit from the philanthropic actions of Home Depot, with additional fans and resources already projected for more schools across the districts in the coming months.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0802 24 VIDE Thanks Home Depot for Generous Donation of Fans (145 KB)

The Virgin Islands Department of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Sharlene Belton-Gonzalez as the new Insular Superintendent for the St. Croix District. Commissioner of Education Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., expressed her enthusiasm for Dr. Gonzalez's arrival, stating, "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Belton-Gonzalez to the St. Croix District. Her passion for education and her eagerness to be of service to the people of St. Croix is truly inspiring."

Dr. Sharlene Belton-Gonzalez brings a wealth of experience and a strong academic background to her new role. She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish, a master's degree in Adult Education and Training, and a doctoral degree in Higher Education from Texas A&M University, Commerce.

Dr. Gonzalez began her illustrious career in education as a high school Spanish teacher. Over her 12 years in the classroom, she also taught English as a Second Language, bilingual classes at the elementary level, AVID, and English as a Foreign Language in the Dominican Republic. Her teaching experience spans every grade level, from PreK to post-secondary.

Transitioning to school administration, Dr. Gonzalez started as an Assistant Principal at a middle school in Texas's second-largest school district. She then served as a Director of Bilingual and ESL Programs before becoming a high school principal. Subsequently, she took on the role of Coordinator for English Learner Programs, supporting six campuses with instructional practices and ensuring state and federal compliance. Dr. Gonzalez is now entering her 12th year in school administration and her 24th year in the field of education.

Dr. Gonzalez is dedicated to providing each student with a well-rounded education and the necessary resources for success. As a servant leader, she is eager to serve the students, families, teachers, and staff of St. Croix.

"I am honored and excited to join the St. Croix District and to work alongside such dedicated educators and staff," said Dr. Gonzalez. "Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed."

The Virgin Islands Department of Education looks forward to the positive impact Dr. Sharlene Belton-Gonzalez will undoubtedly have on the St. Croix District and its community.

Download Press Release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0703 24 VIDE Welcomes New St Croix District Insular Superintendent (84 KB)