The Virgin Islands Department of Education is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the construction of the new Charlotte Amalie High School and the modernization of Bertha C. Boschulte PreK-8 School. Key partners in this project met on Tuesday, October 22nd at the University of the Virgin Islands Innovation Center to announce the beginning of the project, and to facilitate collaboration across the Architecture, Engineering and Construction contracting community.

“We are finally here. It’s taken a long time, but it was worth the wait. Charlotte Amalie High School will be the first new school built on the island of St. Thomas in decades. We have the resources to improve the educational facilities for our employees and the children of the Virgin Islands, and our children deserve state-of-the-art facilities,” said Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington.

“Students’ needs and aspirations are at the center of every decision we make. We will create flexible learning spaces that can adapt to a variety of teaching methods and prepare our students for the digital age. And we will emphasize sustainability to reduce our overall footprint and teach our students about caring for our environment,” said Craig Benjamin, Executive Director of the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance.

Throughout the morning, the design-build contractor Consigli-Benton provided an overview of the project and facilitated departmental coordination sessions with the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the Water and Power Authority, the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Bureau of Information Technology, Virgin Islands Next Generation Network, and VIYA Telecommunications Company. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources presented extensively on their process, and in the afternoon, a contracting community networking session was held to introduce the Architects and Engineers to the broader community of subcontractors, consultants, and construction industry companies.

“It's a matter of efficiency and getting the work done on time. This is an opportunity for our local businesses to work together and find the best ways to bring services and materials to the people of the Virgin Islands,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr.

Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington reiterated that this project goes beyond reconstruction and that it sets a higher standard for learning and instructional environments. “The Virgin Islands Department of Education is investing in 21st century learning spaces to equip and prepare our students for a successful future as leaders in our community,” said Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington.

Charlotte Amalie High School was severely damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, leading to instruction in modular classrooms. The new Charlotte Amalie High School will be a substantial $334 million project that will provide state-of-the-art learning spaces spanning 240,000 sq. ft. The proposed design consists of 6 buildings: Three Academic Forts, a Center for Culture and the Arts, a Market, and a Sports Arena.

For more information about the new Charlotte Amalie High School, the modernization of Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and the Department of Education's plans to build new schools in the Virgin Islands, please visit www.newschoolsvide.com.

 

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 1009 24 CAHS and BCB Modernization Kickoff Meeting (117 KB)

 

 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Division of Cultural Education invites educators, schools, and organizations across the territory to join in the annual celebration of David Hamilton Jackson and his contributions to workers' rights, free speech, and social justice. The David Hamilton Jackson and All Ah We Project will take place from November 2 – 16, 2024, at the Cane Roots Art Gallery in Christiansted. This exhibition provides students with a platform to creatively address historical and current issues related to fairness, equity, and workers' rights.

Born in 1884 on St. Croix, Jackson was a pivotal figure in Virgin Islands history. He co-founded the St. Croix Labor Union in 1913 and established The Herald newspaper in 1915, the first free press for people of color in the territory. Through his work, Jackson championed labor rights and stood firmly against colonial powers. His enduring legacy continues to inspire movements for justice and equality today, making this project a timely educational tool that connects the past to the present.

Educators can easily integrate this project into their curricula by utilizing a range of resources and guiding students in thoughtful discussions and creative work that reflect Jackson’s contributions to social justice.

Access Resources Here: (https://goopenusvi.vide.vi/courseware/lesson/689/overview)

How to Get Involved: Educators are encouraged to inspire students to submit creative works in the following formats:

- Written Works: Essays, poems, or short stories addressing themes of equity and justice. 

- Visual Arts: Cartoons, paintings, or digital artwork that explore workers' rights and freedom of speech. 

- Vocational Projects: Craft projects symbolizing equity and social justice. 

- Music: Songs, including rap, R&B, or Caribbean cariso, that speak to the ongoing struggle for equity.

Submission Guidelines: All student submissions are due by October 25, 2024, and can be emailed to stephanie.cbrown@vide.vi. Educators may also contact the Department to arrange school pickups.

Exhibition: All submissions will be showcased at the Cane Roots Art Gallery from November 2–16, giving students an opportunity to publicly share their work while celebrating the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson.

We encourage all educators and community organizations to participate in this meaningful project, allowing students to engage creatively in the ongoing fight for equity. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of David Hamilton Jackson continues to inspire generations to come.

For additional information, please contact: Director Stephanie C. Brown via email at stephanie.cbrown@vide.vi or at 340-773-1095 ext. 7032

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 1008 24 D Hamilton Jackson (137 KB)