Governor Bryan’s Administration Advances School Upgrades Amid Budget Scrutiny

In a proactive move towards improving educational infrastructure, the administration under Governor Bryan is making significant strides. Amid a focused dialogue with the Committee on Education and Workforce Development, concerns over financial stewardship within school renovation projects were brought to light by Senator Kenneth Gittens. The senator’s inquiry into fiscal responsibility and project efficiency underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Senator Gittens, expressing his trust in the Department of Education’s leadership, voiced his apprehensions regarding contractor performance, sparked by student advocacy for better school conditions. His concerns led to a deeper examination of the projects managed by Custom Builders VI, particularly focusing on the air conditioning installation at St. Croix Educational Complex High School and the rehabilitation efforts at Gladys A Abraham Elementary School on St. Thomas.

Dionne Wells-Hedrington, the Education Commissioner, alongside Acting Chief Operations Officer Alan Fleming, provided insights into the project statuses. Fleming assured the committee of the near completion of the St. Croix project, highlighting the meticulous approach to ensuring quality and durability in educational facilities.

Addressing the queries raised by Senator Gittens regarding the costs associated with specific repairs, Fleming elaborated on the complexities and standards involved in commercial-grade installations, differentiating them from residential counterparts. This distinction underscores the administration’s focus on investing in lasting infrastructure that meets the specific needs of educational environments.

The Department of Property and Procurement has disclosed that Custom Builders’ contract for the Gladys Abraham Elementary School renovation is valued at approximately $4.87 million, demonstrating a substantial investment in the territory’s educational future. The air conditioning project at the Complex, with its near $825,000 budget, is pivotal for creating a conducive learning environment.

Despite Senator Gittens’ reservations about certain project costs and timelines, the administration’s dialogue with contractors and ongoing assessments ensure that the projects not only meet but exceed expectations. The acknowledgment of vendor responsiveness challenges by Mrs. Wells-Hedrington is a testament to the administration’s proactive stance on improving project delivery and efficiency.

As the St. Croix Educational Complex awaits the final piece for its air conditioning upgrade, the administration’s revised timeline reflects a commitment to thoroughness and quality. Governor Bryan’s focus on enhancing the educational landscape through such projects is a clear indication of his dedication to the well-being and success of the USVI’s students.