Governor Kenneth E. Mapp meets with U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Tuesday, July 11 in Washington, D.C. The governor was accompanied by V.I. Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., (not shown).
Governor Kenneth E. Mapp along with V.I. Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., and Office of Management & Budget Director Nellon Bowry met with U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on Tuesday, July 11 in the nation’s capital to discuss matters concerning the Virgin Islands public education system. Among topics of discussion was a strategy for the exit of the third party fiduciary appointed to oversee the expenditure of the V.I. Department of Education's (VIDE) federal grants funds.
The Governor praised the improved management of funds at the VIDE over the last two years as reason to render the additional oversight unnecessary.
Commissioner McCollum described the meeting as positive and noted that Secretary DeVos listened intently during the conversation.
"We expect to hear back from them after they have completed their research," Dr. McCollum said.
Governor Mapp also met with U.S. Interior Department officials who agreed to support the Territory’s efforts to establish a ‘day visa’ program, expand parking in Christiansted, resolve longstanding issues within the National Park on St. John and back a permanent increase in the amount of federal rum excise taxes returned to the local treasury.
