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Office of Public Relations and Communications

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The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Office of Public Relations and Communications exists to heighten the public’s awareness of the Department’s mission to ensure that all students are prepared for college or the career of their choice upon graduation from high school.

In support of the mission, the Public Relations Office provides publicity for events, activities and the many successes of the Department’s schools, students, teachers, employees and leadership through internal and external communication.

The Office of Public Relations and Communication, through an integrated marketing communications approach services the marketing, branding, public, and media relations, advertising and graphic design needs of the Department, districts, and schools.

The Public Relations Office reports directly to the Commissioner of Education.

 

Virgin Islands Department of Education Responds to Teacher Job Action at Charlotte Amalie High School on August 29, 2024

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is actively addressing a disruption in school operations that occurred at Charlotte Amalie High School today due to a teacher job action. This action, prompted by concerns about working conditions, led to several interruptions in classes this morning. Despite the disruptions, the school remained in session, with students and teachers relocated to alternative spaces to continue instruction. Regular school operations will resume on August 30th.

The VIDE advocates for collaborative communication between the AFT Union, its members, and the Department, particularly when addressing concerns that may lead to actions like today's. The union has open channels to communicate with school administration through the principal. In this instance, had these channels been utilized, the union would have been informed that an A/C vendor was already on campus at the time of the job action, and that a mold remediation team was on-site preparing for work scheduled this weekend.

The VIDE respects the rights of educators to advocate for their needs and recognizes the significance of their concerns. The Department is committed to ensuring conducive learning environments for all students and staff. Addressing necessary maintenance requirements has been and remains a top priority, independent of job actions. Efforts to tackle ongoing issues affecting our aging facilities have been in progress for some time.

Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Assistant Commissioner Victor Somme III, Superintendent Dr. Stefan Jürgen, Executive Director of the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance Craig Benjamin, and the school’s administrative team met with American Federation of Teachers President Leontyne Jones to discuss the concerns raised by teachers and students, many of which are already being addressed.

The specific issues highlighted, including classroom heat, malfunctioning air conditioning units, and mold, are currently being addressed. Contractors have been engaged and are actively working on the school campus. The air conditioning contractor was already on-site at the time of the job action, and mold remediation contractors are scheduled to begin their work on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

The VIDE acknowledges the importance of active and ongoing engagement with faculty, staff, and students regarding the status of school maintenance, including the challenges of contracting delays and the progress being made. The Department reaffirms its commitment to providing safe and comfortable environments for all students, faculty, and staff. The VIDE leadership, along with the school administration, will continue to work diligently to resolve any issues and to listen to the concerns of all stakeholders.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0814 24 VIDE Responds to Teacher Job Action at Charlotte Amalie High School on August 29, 2024 (126 KB)  

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URGENT ALERT: THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024 PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE ST. THOMAS-ST. JOHN SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL EXPERIENCE DELAYED START DUE TO POWER OUTAGE

In the St. Thomas-St. John District (STTJ), public school operations are currently affected by a WAPA power outage, leaving all school sites without access to electricity and potable water. As a result, all schools in the STTJ District will experience a delayed start to begin at 9:00 am.

This current electrical interruption is an ongoing situation, and the Virgin Islands Department of Education is actively monitoring. Adjustments will be made regarding school bus pick-ups.

The public is kindly asked to stay updated by monitoring VIDE platforms regarding any changes regarding school operations.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0813 24 URGENT ALERT ST THOMAS ST JOHN SCHOOL DISTRICT (1) (63 KB)

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Virgin Islands Department of Education Welcomes New Legal Counsel, Chilesa J. Ready, Esq.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chilesa J. Ready, Esq., as the new Legal Counsel for the Department. With extensive experience and a diverse skill set, Attorney Ready brings a wealth of knowledge to the VIDE.

Attorney Ready is an accomplished attorney, speaker, writer, and educator who has served in various prominent legal roles. Prior to joining the VIDE, she was a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Willard Proctor Jr. of the 5th Division Circuit Court in Arkansas, an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Division of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, and most recently, a Staff Attorney and VOCA Director at Legal Services of the Virgin Islands.

Attorney Ready earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Political Science from Tougaloo College and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas William H. Bowen School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Arkansas, Arizona, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her impressive career also includes time as a high school English teacher in San Antonio, Texas, where she focused on education while raising her family.

Attorney Ready is committed to service and community involvement. Her volunteerism includes work with Prison Fellowship, Hope Women’s Center, and the Family Resource Center. A staunch advocate for education, Attorney Ready believes in the power of commitment and hard work, and her personal motto, "Nothing is Impossible When You Take the Limits Off Your Life," reflects her passion for making a positive impact.

Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington expressed her excitement about Attorney Ready's appointment, stating, "We are pleased to welcome Attorney Ready to the Virgin Islands Department of Education. Her extensive legal experience, dedication to service, and commitment to education will be invaluable as she works to support our mission of providing quality education and resources for students, employees, and families across the Virgin Islands."

The Virgin Islands Department of Education is confident that Attorney Ready’s skills, experience, and passion will contribute greatly to the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for all stakeholders.

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St. Thomas

1834 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: 340-774-0100

Curriculum Center:
340-775-2250
Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM

          

St. Croix

2133 Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Phone: 340-773-1095

Curriculum Center:
340-778-1600
Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM

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