Kyza A. Callwood, Ph.D., chairman of the Virgin Islands Board of Education, spearheaded a distinguished delegation at the highly anticipated 2024 National School Boards Association (NSBA) Annual Conference, held in New Orleans, La., from April 5-8. The conference, boasting an impressive attendance of over 4,000 education professionals, administrators and advocates, was a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and sharing innovative educational practices.
During the conference at the Delegate Assembly, the Virgin Islands Board of Education, under the astute leadership of Chairman Callwood, played an instrumental role in advancing essential beliefs and resolutions to enhance educational standards and practices nationwide. The Virgin Islands delegation meticulously crafted and submitted three foundational beliefs to the National School Boards Association Beliefs and Resolutions Committee for consideration. VIBE is pleased to announce that on April 5, during the Delegate Assembly of the NSBA, the committee
unanimously passed these beliefs, signifying a resounding endorsement of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to educational excellence and equity. The adopted beliefs reflect a dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments, promoting student success, and advocating for equitable resources and opportunities for all learners.
Belief 2 – Article III – Federal Assistance to Education, Section 5.2 – Special Areas of Concerns
(c) Career and Technical Education. It is critical that the federal government provide the necessary support to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality career and technical education with a strong academic component. Our nation needs to prepare and maintain a productive and skilled labor force and our students need the necessary skills for employability. The National School Boards Association resolves that additional funding is needed to expose students to career and pathway opportunities through field trips that identify community services, hospitals, government/ legislative proceedings, Fire/EMS divisions, libraries, post offices, police stations, agricultural and produce markets, banks, restaurants and bakeries, automotive, marine, aviation sites, etc.
Belief 3 – Article IV – The Educational Program, Section 2 – Maintaining a Safe and Supportive School Climate – Prioritizing Student Mental Health and Well-Being – Suicide Awareness and Prevention
The National School Boards Association encourages local boards to promote suicide awareness and prevention. these efforts should include
(1) the dissemination of information, translated into prevalent languages in each district, on suicide awareness and prevention to their students, families, and local communities;
(2) providing contact information for local, state and federal support services for people in crisis;
(3) encouraging school counselor training in suicide awareness and prevention, crisis intervention and postvention.
Belief 5 – Article IV – The Educational Program, Section 3 – Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Supporting Increased Funding for Staffing
Needs
The National School Boards Association supports the use of online, remote or computer-based learning services to provide, supplement, and enhance instruction to provide equitable access to educational opportunities. local school boards are encouraged to develop policy that covers, at a minimum, the selection, implementation, and periodic review of such programs of instruction.
Callwood expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the Virgin Islands delegation and emphasized the significance of these beliefs in shaping the future of education. “Our delegation is honored to have played a role in advancing these beliefs, which are rooted in our collective commitment to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education,” said Callwood. “We remain steadfast in our dedication to advocating for policies and practices that prioritize all students’ well-being and academic success.”
He was also introduced and recognized for his outstanding efforts and leadership in his respective district, underscoring his dedication to advancing educational excellence and equity.
