All PreK-6 and PreK-8 schools on St. Croix closed at 9 a.m. Wednesday due to a job action by the American Federation of Teachers, the Education Department announced. John H. Woodson Junior High School will also be closed.
Bus transportation will be provided, according to the release, and parents who take their children to school are asked to pick up students as soon as possible.
High schools in the district will remain in session on an abbreviated schedule and will be dismissed at 1:05 p.m.
“The safety and instruction of students is a priority. Due to the lack of sufficient personnel, elementary and junior high schools in the district are impacted. The VIDE will keep the public informed regarding the reopening of these schools,” the release stated.
The St. Croix District will be required to make up this school day in December, it said.
The strike comes a day after Education officials announced abbreviated school schedules Tuesday to deal with record soaring temperatures on St. Croix.
Meanwhile, Berntha C. Boschulte Middle School on St. Thomas will return to virtual learning after it was closed since Thursday due to smoke from the Bovoni landfill fire.
Distribution of devices and instructional packets for BCB students will take place on Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, with the alternative date being Friday, also from 9 a.m. to noon, the Education Department announced on Wednesday.
Due to the poor air quality caused by existing smoke and odors from the landfill fire, the VIDE strongly encourages parents to collect devices and instructional packets during the specified time period, as the well-being of employees is a priority.
Only parents, guardians, or individuals listed in PowerSchool will be allowed to collect devices on behalf of BCB students, and they will be required to complete a District Technology Form. Those who do not need a device should not collect one, the department added.
The instructional packets will be available from students’ homeroom teachers. Assignments will be back-dated to Monday, Sept. 18 and will encompass the entire week until Friday, the department said. Teachers will communicate with students through Microsoft Teams and email once devices have been distributed.
The Source will update this story as more information becomes available.
