Rosalia Payne will replace Valaria Wheatley as superintendent of schools for the St. Thomas-St. John district.
Payne's appointment, confirmed by Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds to the V.I. Independent, is expected to be announced today.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull at his press conference Thursday said "a person is in the wings to be announced almost momentarily" to be superintendent.
Payne, principal of Edith Williams Elementary School, has won numerous honors, including a National Distinguished Principal award in 1998.
As principal of Edith Williams, Payne has implemented staff development initiatives such as home-school-community partnerships and child-abuse prevention. She has also created a Backyard Living Laboratory where students get hands-on experience with growing fruits and vegetables.
Simmonds said Payne is "extremely qualified" but declined to say more, according to Friday's Independent.
Payne was principal of Joseph Sibilly Elementary School from 1992 to 1995 and the Peace Corps Elementary School from 1987 to 1992.
Wheatley resigned as superintendent last week. Payne reportedly will start in the new job Monday.
