March 6, 2008 — "All is not bleak" in the V.I. public school system, but there are still some gaps in student achievement, professional development and fiscal management that need to be fixed, according to acting Education Commissioner LaVerne Terry.
As senators peppered her with questions Thursday, Terry won over the Rules and Judiciary Committee with her straight-to-the point answers, which one senator said "hit all the right notes." Terry's nomination to fill the Education post was subsequently forwarded to the full legislative body on a six-to-one vote with a favorable recommendation.
"You took the Legislature's test, and so far you've passed with flying colors," Sen. Celestino A. White Sr. told Terry minutes before he made the motion to approve her nomination.
Voting in favor of the nomination were Sens. Carlton "Ital" Dowe, Shawn-Michael Malone, James Weber III, Carmen M. Wesselhoft, White and Alvin L. Williams.
Sen. Usie R. Richards voted against Terry's nomination.
Terry comes to the territory with 35 years of experience in teaching and administration in Delaware and most recently in Hartford, Conn. A few of Terry's former colleagues testified in support of her nomination Thursday, or sent favorable letters to the committee.
Terry has said her plans for the future include implementing curriculum changes, making sure the Education Department doesn't lose track of its federal funds and conducting an assessment of resources each school needs — priorities reflected in the administration's strategy for education reform.
While Terry plans to build on the groundwork laid by past commissioners, she said she would also try to get rid of some longstanding, unresolved issues, such as relocating the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School on St. Thomas, revamping the territory's vocational education programs and encouraging parental involvement and participation (See "Governor's Choice for Education Commissioner Eyes Big Changes".)
Having been on the job as acting commissioner for almost two months, Terry's plans have gotten a bit more specific, to include the creation of both parent and student advisory cabinets that would provide insight into the department's decision making process. Still on the top of her priority list, however, is getting all students to read on grade level by the end of third grade, which Terry described on Thursday as a "trigger year."
"According to the territorial report card, less than 40 percent of all students are proficient in reading and mathematics," Terry said. "These statistics are even more daunting for English language learners and students with disabilities. With a cohort graduation rate under 50 percent, less than half of the students who enter ninth grade graduate in four years. For those students who do graduate, and enroll in UVI, 71 percent are required to take at least one skills development course."
To boost the numbers, the focus must be on "school readiness," meaning putting in place all the tools required to increase graduation rates and prepare students to immediately start to earn credit in college, Terry said.
Emphasizing the department's need to set baseline goals and achievement targets, Terry said the move has to be made to collect more data relevant to V.I. students, teachers and schools. Data collection goes hand-in-hand with a few audits Terry plans on conducting once confirmed to the position.
"The long-term goals are to conduct a full security audit of each campus and activity center, improve outside lighting and install night vision cameras," Terry said, underscoring the need to beef up school security in light of the recent acts of vandalism that have occurred at various schools throughout the territory.
Terry added that she would also issue a request for proposals for parties interested in conducting a "complete and thorough" curriculum and academic program audit.
Taking a page from the book of Lynn Spampinato — whose nomination to the post of Education commissioner was shot down last year by a majority of senators — Terry said that she would also be conducting informal "town hall" meetings in which Education Department officials would be given time to dialogue with community members on various issues.
Though Terry said that she has been charged by Gov. John deJongh Jr. with specific reform goals, she also told senators that she does not intend to mold one specific type of student. Rather, it is incumbent upon the department to put in place all the necessary academic, vocational and social programs needed to propel students toward a variety of careers and interests, she said.
"We have to make sure we're giving the students what they need," Terry said. "Even in the most difficult conditions, dedicated teachers can bring out the best in a child."
Speaking after Thursday's meeting, Government House spokesman Jean Greaux Jr. said Gov. John deJongh Jr. was "pleased" by the committee's vote.
"The governor now looks toward full Senate confirmation where the work of the administration toward much-needed education reform can begin in earnest," Greaux said.
Present during Thursday's meeting were Sens. Liston Davis, Dowe, Juan Figueroa-Serville, Neville James, Malone, Terrence "Positive" Nelson, Richards, Ronald E. Russell, Weber, Wesselhoft, White and Williams.
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