Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is the public agency responsible for the administration of public education in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). It serves as both a Local Education Agency (LEA) and a State Education Agency (SEA), overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational policies throughout the territory. The department operates under the mission of providing "a safe and nurturing environment, high-quality instruction, and continuous support so ALL students succeed in college and careers as citizens in a globally diverse world".[1]

Structure and mission

The department is led by the Commissioner of Education and divided into two districts: St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix. Each district is overseen by a superintendent.[2]

Its primary objectives are ensuring students achieve readiness for learning by kindergarten, meeting or exceeding targeted academic growth, and equipping graduates with the skills needed for career and civic engagement.[1]

Early leadership (1970s-1980s)

Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull served as Commissioner of Education from 1979 to 1987. He later became the sixth elected Governor of the United States Virgin Islands (1999-2007). Dr. Turnbull was a professor at the University of the Virgin Islands and held a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Minnesota. He was succeeded by Linda Creque, though specific details of her tenure are limited.[3]

Transition years (1990s-2000s)

Ruby Simmonds served as Education Commissioner until April 30, 2002, when Governor Charles Turnbull removed her from office after the territory's appeal regarding the loss of accreditation for three high schools was rejected.[4] Noreen Michael was nominated as her replacement and confirmed by the Senate in December 2002 despite concerns about reaccreditation and education reforms.[4]

Recent leadership (2010s-Present)

In May 2015, Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum was sworn in as Commissioner.[5] Racquel Berry-Benjamin was appointed as Commissioner of Education four years later by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. During her tenure, she responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted educational operations across the territory. Under her leadership, the department focused on remote learning strategies, student technology access, and school safety measures. Berry-Benjamin's tenure was marked by controversy, particularly regarding delays in school infrastructure improvements and concerns about the department’s responsiveness to stakeholder needs.[6] She resigned in 2022, and Governor Bryan subsequently nominated Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington as her replacement.[7]

Dr. Wells-Hedrington launched a "State of the Union" listening tour to engage school principals and address pressing educational concerns.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "[344] Vision - Mission - Goals". vide.vi. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
  2. ^ Government of the Virgin Islands - Directory
  3. ^ Virgin Islands Board of Education - About Us
  4. ^ a b St. Thomas Source - Michael Approved as Education Commissioner
  5. ^ VI Consortium - McCollum Sworn in as Commissioner
  6. ^ VI Consortium - Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin Could Resign
  7. ^ WTJX - Governor Bryan Names Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington as Commissioner
  8. ^ "[2506] Territory-wide Principals' Meetings Lay Groundwork for Department's Transformation | Public Relations | Our Divisions". vide.vi. Retrieved 2025-03-08.


Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Virgin_Islands_Department_of_Education
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