Early Dismissal at Lockhart K-8 School Due to Unofficial Teacher Job Action Amidst Safety Concerns

An unexpected teacher job action at the Lockhart K-8 School on St. Thomas prompted the early release of students in grades 4 through 8 today, leading to an array of logistical challenges for families.

The Department of Education of the Virgin Islands cited “instructional disruptions stemming from a teacher-led job action, which did not have the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers Local 1825,” as the reason behind this decision.

Authorities requested that parents and guardians collect their children from the school promptly, noting that school bus services were available for students dependent on this mode of transportation. The department further clarified that students from kindergarten through third grade would continue their day as usual until the regular dismissal time at 2:45 p.m., emphasizing that the early dismissal affected only students from fourth to eighth grade.

St. Thomas’s Police Chief, Steven Phillip, reported that officers had been stationed at the school to facilitate a smooth and orderly dismissal process. He also mentioned that discussions were underway between representatives of the American Federation of Teachers and education officials to address the concerns raised by today’s unexpected action.

While the specific triggers for the job action were not detailed by the department, parents have voiced concerns to the media about grave threats and even physical aggression directed at teachers by some students, contributing to the decision to halt classes. Chief Phillip confirmed awareness of such incidents, although no formal complaints had been lodged with the Virgin Islands Police Department.

Leontyne Jones, President of the AFT for the St. Thomas-St. John District, highlighted multiple factors leading up to the job action, including communication breakdowns between teachers and school leadership, infrastructure challenges, and concerns over teacher safety. “There have been instances where teachers were threatened or attacked by students,” Jones stated. Nonetheless, she assured that the issues had been addressed and that teachers would return to their classrooms on Thursday, signaling a move towards resolving the tensions that led to today’s disruption.