[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6456102,"mediaKeyId","5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a","parentId",5701932,"title","School kitchens largely functional but two ARPA‑funded kitchen projects remain unfinished","audioSeconds",3416,"startMs",2268000,"endMs",5684000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a&start=2268&end=5684","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a/thumbnail_2268000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6456102/School-kitchens-largely-functional-but-two-ARPAfunded-kitchen-projects-remain-unfinished","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456102-4285cd01dba2c155122d672fa756fb26/orig.mp4?Expires=1770328895&Signature=KFyHLTTO2ECPSl~bMTNKgn7mHM7YrFQv4uVYeQsW7cX-K6srzEl8bTaDIoAYGs0B~0RpaEPX6iQTMyWtQIqjGBHGlkTJUMMyrKO8I~xb9iGSVD1P~CfjUbxCe-ehppPGtPXJ1Y16gZkv8c5NdYeGuhX1guBG82QLcCCJp~9QNrEAg7oNvBvme22vKEblYXim8V~73Hwcibenjm4HQLiUIB9XlGxfRTzSXckQ1rLphk~23P5fKvxP6MDBbc67LULHjGHIVjwnyHSILp-JkRhAGwa-Juhl3irN2CfCea749Uzety9NOWqpaI7syfJL1uMmue1MEjz~JNvaLIzSqLpRqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virgin Islands Legislature","date","2025-08-29T23:01:46Z","article","Department and food‑service officials told the committee that most school kitchens reopened for breakfast and lunch service after cross‑agency inspections, but two ARPA‑funded kitchen renovation projects remain incomplete and are being advanced on an accelerated schedule.

Assistant Commissioner Victor Somme and School Food Authority directors reported extensive joint inspections by BSCM, DPNR permitting, Department of Health environmental health and fire services. The SFA rated kitchen preparedness overall as \"fair,\" noting the need for updated equipment and electrical improvements in some sites but confirming that kitchens had begun service with two weeks of food commodities on hand in the Saint Croix district.

The department said it purchased refrigerated 40‑foot storage containers to improve cold‑storage capacity: three for Saint Croix and three for Saint Thomas. On St. Thomas those containers have electrical connections pending building permits and a WAPA transformer; on St. Croix electrical connections were reported \"happening as we speak\" during the hearing.

VIDE described a mandated, territory‑wide reintroduction of salad bars in Saint Thomas schools (mid‑September target) and ongoing inventory inspections and safety checks. The bureau said it completed grease‑trap cleanings and coordinated ongoing monthly service for kitchens.

Two ARPA kitchen projects — Claro Marco Elementary and Eulalia (Eulalia) Rivera K–8 — were not completed before their original deadlines because ARPA draws were temporarily frozen. BSCM said contractors abandoned one site and that the bureau would reengage or re‑solicit remaining work; the performance period for ARPA projects has been extended through March 21, 2026, according to BSCM testimony.

Ending: Food‑service directors and the bureau said kitchen service will continue while remaining capital work is completed; senators asked agencies to provide a timetable for the two unfinished kitchen projects and to ensure safe food storage and posted health permits in all kitchens.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","08-29-2025 The Committee on Education and Workforce Development","oneSentenceSummary","VIDE and the School Food Authority told the committee most kitchens opened with inventories and initial meals, but two kitchen projects (Claro Marco and Eulalia Rivera) missed original deadlines during a funding pause and are being accelerated now that ARPA funding resumed.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature, Virgin Islands","taxId",77876,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6456107,"Committee hears ARPA drawdowns resumed but senators press for faster vendor payments",7913,2187000,10100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a&start=2187&end=10100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a/thumbnail_2187000.jpg","/articles/6456107/Committee-hears-ARPA-drawdowns-resumed-but-senators-press-for-faster-vendor-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456107-238389ce0b20f68167441f08794b4498/orig.mp4?Expires=1770328895&Signature=lJ2pD5A-~eiCzFB1p51QaNdrATlFmFAFz23G35O3S7L5wUAc~iEWKkxpQlKLQshov69VATu7uK-Cwo2TLU6zx0lWMt5GOxNnEbCaS~Iq77saV38Q0skj1R0KnFR7lKpSDDWdJqFJ6W~iQbBr4DovLD6eyDLumhgPOfilD3Z-O6CV-6fK5gb69zIYX~S3iKYb-cTIcPk1ZeKBjbFfUh5w3iPSgsk~PpZOetEgXJuXnKyl0qThtyvqkKuM-l~3GNcNa6tIA6bHnHZ1UgmRCtY48vw5BdZbBwIhtzg5CfvyahUFcyCgO-3jmI4574evptNOY0HWsy0~iu5gvGRslJ2qoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department and bureau fiscal staff told the committee that ARPA‑funded school projects resumed after an earlier federal pause, but senators pressed for faster vendor payments to remobilize contractors.

Deputy Commissioner Hasina Harris and CFO Dr. Charmaine Myers explained the federal funding flow: the department received a line of credit and completed an initial drawdown; the third‑party fiduciary processing resulted in a $4.7 million reimbursement to the territory and the department said it's preparing additional drawdown packages. \"We were able to receive the $4,700,000 from the federal government,\" Harris said. The agencies said a second tranche of payments is being processed, but a large invoice being queried by a third‑party reviewer is delaying one major vendor disbursement.

Senators asked directly about contractors that paused work. BSCM and DOE staff confirmed some contractors had delayed remobilization pending payment. The committee's questioning identified one vendor — Hagland (Haglund/Hagland in testimony) — as awaiting a substantial payment after mobilization; a senator quoted a figure of about $1.3 million owed. CFO Myers said Hagland had received some initial payment but the contractor requested further payments before continuing certain mobilizations, and the department is working to reconcile required documentation for the larger drawdown.

Agencies emphasized that federal grant rules and third‑party fiduciary review add administrative steps before payments can be released. \"Once the payment applications are submitted for construction projects, they are pushed through our system and go to the third party fiduciary who have to give the stamp of approval before we can enter them into payment through the line of credit,\" the commissioner summarized.

Ending: Senators directed agencies to prioritize payment reviews for contractors that paused work and to deliver a schedule of pending invoices tied to ARPA draws at the committee’s request.","VIDE and BSCM told senators ARPA-funded projects resumed after federal approvals; a first drawdown and reimbursement cleared some invoices, but senators and agency officials said outstanding contractor payments, contract expirations and documentation reviews still delay some work.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6456111,"VIDE details staffing, certification gaps and special‑education backlog as schools reopen",4107,1389000,5496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a&start=1389&end=5496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a/thumbnail_1389000.jpg","/articles/6456111/VIDE-details-staffing-certification-gaps-and-specialeducation-backlog-as-schools-reopen","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456111-c0e844030e195d46bd3040255497383f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770328895&Signature=F4LyF5ESMccPtyJI4nVovgtTiCQt-vxb9XmwsSLoOhEQLwWO59KLPiNxS6s-rObJWdCCp50TiDzaO0P5N86VTsrbBQ-VAOzGf0hNjCviOqBb7LOKJ88AGPRmw5MR4gpIStIYz9CF~EjNWoTRgEkXYmdASKb5-AJ1Lfij2ynowHr4I8VjL8z8yl-fMWxqwbqgiRkT2IcvJuWNdzEdb16~WHvDTLqO4Q~MHaUXn3FEbPAf-vV9fU2a6knbUvM3emxsJ8~1-5FnoB2fBv-ssiQVy0UpU2YuD9tUWnHJHGG0~17SKmSojXtK3QQDHix50aIKfDQWam97wSI9K98ZP1jbPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) reported to the Committee on Education and Workforce Development on Aug. 29 that staffing, teacher certification and a backlog of special‑education evaluations remain priorities as the 2025–26 school year begins.

Commissioner Dion Wells Hedrington told senators the department currently employs 2,022 people territorywide and reported recent separations, retirements and vacancies. The department presented a breakdown of hires and vacancies: for the start of the year, the department said it had hired 34 employees territorywide (14 teachers) in one district and 31 hires (10 teachers) in the other district.

VIDE also reported the number of uncertified teachers by district: 208 teachers without full certification in the Saint Thomas–Saint John district and 230 uncertified in the Saint Croix district. Administrator certification gaps were identified as well, with 23 uncertified administrators in Saint Thomas–Saint John and 25 in Saint Croix. The commissioner emphasized ongoing efforts to develop local pipelines in partnership with the University of the Virgin Islands, the Department of Labor and other partners; she said the department had launched a first cohort of 20 paraprofessionals enrolled in teacher‑preparation programs and was planning subsequent cohorts.

Special‑education evaluations were a central concern. Commissioner Hedrington and district superintendents described a summer intensive evaluation initiative: Saint Croix completed 60 evaluations during an extended‑school‑year initiative; the Saint Thomas–Saint John district reported that a contracted psychologist completed about 11 of an attempted 17 evaluations over the summer but that scheduling, \"no shows\" and screening failures created gaps. Hedrington said the Saint Croix district would assign evaluation teams that each carry a minimum caseload of 60 students and hold weekly check‑ins with the educational diagnostic center team to maintain pace. The department said evaluations will be prioritized for incoming kindergarten students, students transitioning to new schools, and students with urgent behavioral needs.

On compliance and accountability, the department presented ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) report cards for sample campuses and said territorywide ratings will be released publicly in October. Commissioner Hedrington noted chronic absenteeism as a persistent issue affecting school accountability metrics and said the department planned targeted family engagement and early‑grade attendance interventions.

On special‑education staffing, the department acknowledged continued reliance on contracted psychologists and social workers and said it intends to invest in local recruitment, certification and training. The Saint Croix district described reassignment of social‑work staff to temporarily provide counseling so school psychologists can focus on initial and emergency evaluations.

Ending: VIDE told the committee it is pursuing pipeline development, recruitment and training measures and asked for legislative support where statutory or funding changes could speed certification and reduce reliance on contractors.","The Department of Education told the committee it faces teacher certification shortfalls, ongoing recruitment challenges, and a special‑education evaluation backlog that the department is attempting to address with contracted teams and weekly check‑ins.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6456117,"Bureau of School Construction reports hundreds of summer repairs, many projects still active as schools open",2402,3576000,5978000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a&start=3576&end=5978","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5701932-b0c09358b053a38c254892a69aa9488a/thumbnail_3576000.jpg","/articles/6456117/Bureau-of-School-Construction-reports-hundreds-of-summer-repairs-many-projects-still-active-as-schools-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456117-5cb43ba4c13cff89df28dd6d75d3b7a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770328895&Signature=IP4clSam7YLZrSiSVeCtOORxnddXd4h05kHLHS4PDhUAehMYItJ-WgjyNg3aJ61XlwswWVPJp~AXIabmS-UHu-tzKtjJwiyMR4rdkgs44ms8FCZD605O1rBFXJ3DwKCqiVW7L5UM2eqUP6elZVx3Y~-foY3WU3PiwkovJyd~kdalSjXUxJRNZdoqGQ~T8okkQNvcVsjINJl4hrFoeXsGGLk1I7Z~wv4WzCS~2RW3jvaYWsw6caTwjPlbmr0XdYRCaAzBvGPCSeJwAwbH1vwN84zkgojygGyoNAH~HUNjmwJ7BXU1if1S8ikztR8zglVgaWa3DBqcoN6df-h20QZCug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virgin Islands Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance (BSCM) told the Legislature on Aug. 29 that crews completed hundreds of summer repairs before the 2025–26 school year opened but that numerous safety, HVAC and electrical upgrades remain active.

BSCM Executive Director Craig Benjamin said the bureau recorded 179 completed projects territorywide and 71 active or pending projects as of the committee hearing. \"Since inception just 10 months ago, the bureau has worked not only to address urgent maintenance needs, but also to put systems in place that will ensure long term effective efficiency and resilience,\" Benjamin said in his prepared remarks.

The bureau described a multi-pronged summer program that prioritized life-safety and kitchen compliance items identified in cross-agency inspections by the Department of Health, fire services and DPNR. Work completed or in flight includes roof repairs, mold remediation, restroom and plumbing repairs, grease-trap cleaning, electrical capacity upgrades for air-conditioning, and installation of dozens of classroom AC units across multiple campuses. Benjamin said roof repairs at John H. Woodson were completed Aug. 24 and mold remediation work there was scheduled to be closed out later in the week of the hearing.

BSCM said many older campuses require both mechanical and electrical upgrades because buildings originally designed for natural ventilation now rely on sealed classrooms and air conditioning. \"Expanded air conditioning use requires corresponding electrical capacity upgrades because many buildings were designed for natural ventilation,\" Benjamin testified. The bureau outlined interim steps — staged electrical upgrades, temporary ventilation fans, staggered AC restarts after outages and emergency relocation procedures — to reduce risk while major work proceeds.

Paul Harrigan, BSCM assistant director of maintenance, provided project counts by district: Saint Thomas and Saint John had 94 completed and 47 active/pending projects; Saint Croix reported 85 completed and 24 active/pending projects. Territorywide totals reported to the committee were 179 completed and 71 active/pending, for 250 projects total.

Benjamin and staff also described a new online work-order system intended to triage maintenance requests into four levels (routine, important, urgent, critical emergency) with corresponding response windows. Cynthia Allen, assistant director of construction, described the system as a transparency tool that creates an auditable log, assigns tasks to maintenance crews or contractors, and sets response timelines.

BSCM acknowledged payment and vendor issues slowed some summer scopes. Commissioner and bureau witnesses told senators that contractor payments tied to ARPA-funded projects were delayed earlier in the year when federal partners temporarily paused draws; the bureau said a first line-of-credit draw and a $4.7 million federal reimbursement permitted recent vendor payments but additional invoices remain in process. At the hearing senators repeatedly pressed BSCM and the Department of Education to speed payments so stalled contractors could remobilize.

Senators raised specific campus concerns during questioning: John H. Woodson’s mold and air-conditioning work; restroom and plumbing outages at multiple schools; and electrical upgrades at schools where AC installations were staged until power capacity improvements were finished. BSCM said some restroom projects required special parts that limited immediate completion and that in other cases work had shifted from contracted scopes to in‑house repairs to avoid further delay.

The bureau presented a 90‑day outlook with targeted milestones: September and October start dates for several school-specific contracts, generator transfer‑switch deliveries, HVAC assessments, and environmental remediation task orders. Several large structural and campus modernization projects remain on longer timelines and are being tracked separately.

Committee members asked for a single, school‑by‑school project matrix showing scope, contractor, contract status, funding source, mobilization/payment dates and estimated completion dates; Benjamin said the bureau maintains district project spreadsheets and agreed to provide a version of that matrix to the committee. Senators also urged BSCM to prioritize smaller, high‑impact fixes that principals can’t otherwise complete during the school day — for example, restroom fixtures and classroom fans — while larger campus work proceeds on staged schedules.

Ending: The bureau asked for continued access to grant and ARPA funds, and for close coordination with the Department of Education and the Board of Education to expedite inspections, permits, and payments. \"We remain committed to restoring and maintaining safe, healthy, and fully operational learning environments across all schools,\" Benjamin said.","The Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance told the Legislature it completed many life-safety repairs this summer but hundreds of projects remain active or pending; electrical upgrades, HVAC work and mold remediation continue and several contractors await payment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School kitchens largely functional but two ARPA‑funded kitchen projects remain unfinished

Committee hears ARPA drawdowns resumed but senators press for faster vendor payments

VIDE details staffing, certification gaps and special‑education backlog as schools reopen

Bureau of School Construction reports hundreds of summer repairs, many projects still active as schools open