July 2, 2003 – Speaking during a visit home while Congress is on its Fourth of July break, Delegate Donna M. Christensen joined the chorus of those saying the answer to the territory's fiscal crisis may lie in the creation of a financial control board. But she said those who favor such an approach should not look to Washington to provide it.
At a press conference held on Wednesday in her St. Thomas office, Christensen said she is "pretty sure" that the U.S. Interior Department "will not be establishing a local control authority in the Virgin Islands. That would be something that would come from here."
And if it did, she added, Interior "would be willing to support" it, but not "exercise control over" it.
Christensen said she was disappointed to hear local leaders still raising the possibility of setting up a financial control board, saying that she hoped discussions between Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and members of the 25th Legislature would have dispelled such talk. At the same time, she acknowledged the severity of the fiscal crisis, saying if there is a lack of political will, there may be no choice but to go the way of a control board.
"It should not have to take place, but if consensus cannot be reached or the political will isn't there, we have to make sure we do what's in the best interest of the territory," she said.
Christensen said she had spoken with colleagues in Washington, D.C., which went the control board route in 1995, and in Guam, which is currently in similar financial straits. Where local governments have opted for an independent board, she said, those that proved most effective were created by the communities they served.
Christensen also summarized her current year to date on Capitol Hill, including her additional duties as a member of the new House Committee on Homeland Security. From that vantage point, she said, she has learned how well the Virgin Islands is doing in preparing for any potential attack from forces hostile to the United States.
"Having met with local officials by phone, federal officials by phone and the governor to talk about where we are, and looking at the grants that we've gotten," she said, she has concluded that "we're far ahead of many jurisdictions."
As an example, she pointed to a recent federal grant of $4.1 million received through the Law Enforcement Planning Commission. She said the money can be used to supplement overtime payments for essential service government workers who must put in extra hours when the federal government declares an Orange Alert security status.
"I feel good about where we are," Christensen said. Going on two years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon, she said the federal government is far behind states and cities in setting up safeguards against future attacks.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
CONTROL BOARD MUST BE V.I. EFFORT, DELEGATE SAYS
July 2, 2003 – Speaking during a visit home while Congress is on its Fourth of July break, Delegate Donna M. Christensen joined the chorus of those saying the answer to the territory's fiscal crisis may lie in the creation of a financial control board. But she said those who favor such an approach should not look to Washington to provide it.
At a press conference held on Wednesday in her St. Thomas office, Christensen said she is "pretty sure" that the U.S. Interior Department "will not be establishing a local control authority in the Virgin Islands. That would be something that would come from here."
And if it did, she added, Interior "would be willing to support" it, but not "exercise control over" it.
Christensen said she was disappointed to hear local leaders still raising the possibility of setting up a financial control board, saying that she hoped discussions between Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and members of the 25th Legislature would have dispelled such talk. At the same time, she acknowledged the severity of the fiscal crisis, saying if there is a lack of political will, there may be no choice but to go the way of a control board.
"It should not have to take place, but if consensus cannot be reached or the political will isn't there, we have to make sure we do what's in the best interest of the territory," she said.
Christensen said she had spoken with colleagues in Washington, D.C., which went the control board route in 1995, and in Guam, which is currently in similar financial straits. Where local governments have opted for an independent board, she said, those that proved most effective were created by the communities they served.
Christensen also summarized her current year to date on Capitol Hill, including her additional duties as a member of the new House Committee on Homeland Security. From that vantage point, she said, she has learned how well the Virgin Islands is doing in preparing for any potential attack from forces hostile to the United States.
"Having met with local officials by phone, federal officials by phone and the governor to talk about where we are, and looking at the grants that we've gotten," she said, she has concluded that "we're far ahead of many jurisdictions."
As an example, she pointed to a recent federal grant of $4.1 million received through the Law Enforcement Planning Commission. She said the money can be used to supplement overtime payments for essential service government workers who must put in extra hours when the federal government declares an Orange Alert security status.
"I feel good about where we are," Christensen said. Going on two years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon, she said the federal government is far behind states and cities in setting up safeguards against future attacks.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
At a press conference held on Wednesday in her St. Thomas office, Christensen said she is "pretty sure" that the U.S. Interior Department "will not be establishing a local control authority in the Virgin Islands. That would be something that would come from here."
And if it did, she added, Interior "would be willing to support" it, but not "exercise control over" it.
Christensen said she was disappointed to hear local leaders still raising the possibility of setting up a financial control board, saying that she hoped discussions between Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and members of the 25th Legislature would have dispelled such talk. At the same time, she acknowledged the severity of the fiscal crisis, saying if there is a lack of political will, there may be no choice but to go the way of a control board.
"It should not have to take place, but if consensus cannot be reached or the political will isn't there, we have to make sure we do what's in the best interest of the territory," she said.
Christensen said she had spoken with colleagues in Washington, D.C., which went the control board route in 1995, and in Guam, which is currently in similar financial straits. Where local governments have opted for an independent board, she said, those that proved most effective were created by the communities they served.
Christensen also summarized her current year to date on Capitol Hill, including her additional duties as a member of the new House Committee on Homeland Security. From that vantage point, she said, she has learned how well the Virgin Islands is doing in preparing for any potential attack from forces hostile to the United States.
"Having met with local officials by phone, federal officials by phone and the governor to talk about where we are, and looking at the grants that we've gotten," she said, she has concluded that "we're far ahead of many jurisdictions."
As an example, she pointed to a recent federal grant of $4.1 million received through the Law Enforcement Planning Commission. She said the money can be used to supplement overtime payments for essential service government workers who must put in extra hours when the federal government declares an Orange Alert security status.
"I feel good about where we are," Christensen said. Going on two years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon, she said the federal government is far behind states and cities in setting up safeguards against future attacks.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
CONTROL BOARD MUST BE V.I. EFFORT, DELEGATE SAYS
July 2, 2003 – Speaking during a visit home while Congress is on its Fourth of July break, Delegate Donna M. Christensen joined the chorus of those saying the answer to the territory's fiscal crisis may lie in the creation of a financial control board. But she said those who favor such an approach should not look to Washington to provide it.
At a press conference held on Wednesday in her St. Thomas office, Christensen said she is "pretty sure" that the U.S. Interior Department "will not be establishing a local control authority in the Virgin Islands. That would be something that would come from here."
And if it did, she added, Interior "would be willing to support" it, but not "exercise control over" it.
Christensen said she was disappointed to hear local leaders still raising the possibility of setting up a financial control board, saying that she hoped discussions between Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and members of the 25th Legislature would have dispelled such talk. At the same time, she acknowledged the severity of the fiscal crisis, saying if there is a lack of political will, there may be no choice but to go the way of a control board.
"It should not have to take place, but if consensus cannot be reached or the political will isn't there, we have to make sure we do what's in the best interest of the territory," she said.
Christensen said she had spoken with colleagues in Washington, D.C., which went the control board route in 1995, and in Guam, which is currently in similar financial straits. Where local governments have opted for an independent board, she said, those that proved most effective were created by the communities they served.
Christensen also summarized her current year to date on Capitol Hill, including her additional duties as a member of the new House Committee on Homeland Security. From that vantage point, she said, she has learned how well the Virgin Islands is doing in preparing for any potential attack from forces hostile to the United States.
"Having met with local officials by phone, federal officials by phone and the governor to talk about where we are, and looking at the grants that we've gotten," she said, she has concluded that "we're far ahead of many jurisdictions."
As an example, she pointed to a recent federal grant of $4.1 million received through the Law Enforcement Planning Commission. She said the money can be used to supplement overtime payments for essential service government workers who must put in extra hours when the federal government declares an Orange Alert security status.
"I feel good about where we are," Christensen said. Going on two years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon, she said the federal government is far behind states and cities in setting up safeguards against future attacks.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
At a press conference held on Wednesday in her St. Thomas office, Christensen said she is "pretty sure" that the U.S. Interior Department "will not be establishing a local control authority in the Virgin Islands. That would be something that would come from here."
And if it did, she added, Interior "would be willing to support" it, but not "exercise control over" it.
Christensen said she was disappointed to hear local leaders still raising the possibility of setting up a financial control board, saying that she hoped discussions between Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and members of the 25th Legislature would have dispelled such talk. At the same time, she acknowledged the severity of the fiscal crisis, saying if there is a lack of political will, there may be no choice but to go the way of a control board.
"It should not have to take place, but if consensus cannot be reached or the political will isn't there, we have to make sure we do what's in the best interest of the territory," she said.
Christensen said she had spoken with colleagues in Washington, D.C., which went the control board route in 1995, and in Guam, which is currently in similar financial straits. Where local governments have opted for an independent board, she said, those that proved most effective were created by the communities they served.
Christensen also summarized her current year to date on Capitol Hill, including her additional duties as a member of the new House Committee on Homeland Security. From that vantage point, she said, she has learned how well the Virgin Islands is doing in preparing for any potential attack from forces hostile to the United States.
"Having met with local officials by phone, federal officials by phone and the governor to talk about where we are, and looking at the grants that we've gotten," she said, she has concluded that "we're far ahead of many jurisdictions."
As an example, she pointed to a recent federal grant of $4.1 million received through the Law Enforcement Planning Commission. She said the money can be used to supplement overtime payments for essential service government workers who must put in extra hours when the federal government declares an Orange Alert security status.
"I feel good about where we are," Christensen said. Going on two years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon, she said the federal government is far behind states and cities in setting up safeguards against future attacks.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
MEMBERS: SCHOOL BOARD FUNCTIONAL DESPITE FEUDS
July 2, 2003 – Acknowledging widespread concern over public feuding within the Board of Education, its acting chair, Harry Daniel, told the Senate Education and Youth Committee on Wednesday that members are "attempting to resolve all internal issues." However, he insisted, "in spite of the complications, the board has continued to function."
Supported by fellow member Keith Richards and executive director Evadney Hodge, Daniel said at the Wednesday morning hearing that recent board accomplishments include:
– Addressing critical education issues, particularly the requirements of the compliance agreement between the U.S. and V.I. Education Departments and the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
– Completion of a draft Revised Professional Staff Certification Regulation document which includes a definition of the "highly qualified teacher" as required by the No Child Left Behind Law.
– The convening of three public hearings, on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, to receive testimony on the draft document.
– Review of about 650 applications for the 2003 Territorial Scholarship Program.
– Ongoing review of personnel files to determine the certification status of professional staff and the files of Education's prospective Special Legislative Grants Program.
– Revision of significant educational issues such as the addition of new classes, computer technology, and reading and writing programs.
The importance of the added programs, particularly at the primary level, was cited in a discussion of the "transitional classroom program" called for by the school board as a means of identifying academic problems of individual students. "Consequently, each student is able to receive the help needed in appropriate areas," Richards said.
However, this concept contradicts statements made earlier by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael, who had said that the system's "no retention" policy from kindergarten to fourth grade hinders growth on the primary levels.
"This is not so," Richards said. He also said that the Education Department has neither supported nor implemented the board's transitional classroom policy mandate, thus hindering the academic growth of at-risk students in the targeted areas.
"This is the reason why the children are not doing well," Richards said, "not because we are not retaining the students. If the students are being promoted, then the program is definitely not being implemented."
Senators raised questions about funding, the placement of special education students within the transitional program, and the adequacy of teacher training for the transitional classroom program.
Michael cited inadequate funding as a barrier to training teachers. Once again, Richards disagreed. "No, the teachers are being trained," he replied. "We even brought in teachers from the outside, from Ohio, to take a look at what's going on down here. We then met with the department so that we could get some sort of five-year plan." But, he added, such a plan "never really happened."
Instead, Richards said, the Education Department has been trying to implement a multi-age classroom which functions differently from the proposed transitional classroom. New board member Liston Davis, who served as Education commissioner and district schools superintendent in the Schneider administration, agreed, saying that policies thus become "unenforceable" since the board has no "enforcement mechanism."
Senators raised concerns about the impact of the factionalism within the board on problems within the school system.
Sen. Louis Hill urged the board "to consider the children of the Virgin Islands and how you impact on them and our educational system as you maneuver through your legalities."
Those "legalities" include a lawsuit against the board filed by board member Jorge Galiber, who was voted out as chair, 5-3, in March, and the current suspension of board attorney Nandie Sekou.
The school board representatives said reform is needed within the board and also within the public school system, but they also said the board has continued to make improvements in spite of its internal problems.
Hodge said she believes the board comprises "competent individuals." She said: "We just have to get together to form a more cohesive group. And if we need help, I believe that we can do it from the inside."
The committee was told that Hodge is retiring effective next week. Daniel said the position of executive director will be advertised in the hope of hiring a replacement within 90 days.
The school board itself was scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon.
Lottery proceeds to benefit education
In other action, the committee approved and reported to the Rules Committee an amended Bill 25-0042, to transfer 25 percent of V.I. Lottery proceeds from contracted games, including video lottery operations, into the Educational Initiative Fund.
Testifying in favor of the bill were Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull, Charlotte Amalie High School Principal Jeanette Smith and Education Commissioner Noreen Michael.
"I'm here to show support for this bill, for education in general, and for site-based management at our schools," Smith said. "We're supposed to perform miracles without specific resources, and it makes planning … difficult, because we don't often know when the money is coming or where it is coming from." She cited an immediate need at CAHS for summer repairs, especially to rooms damaged by a fire recently.
Committee members present Wednesday were the chair, Sen. Ronald Russell; and Sens. Roosevelt David, Hill, Shawn-Michael Malone and Luther Renee. Sens. Norman Jn. Baptiste and Usie Richards were excused. Non-committee members present were Sens. Carlton Dowe and Almando "Rocky" Liburd.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Supported by fellow member Keith Richards and executive director Evadney Hodge, Daniel said at the Wednesday morning hearing that recent board accomplishments include:
– Addressing critical education issues, particularly the requirements of the compliance agreement between the U.S. and V.I. Education Departments and the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
– Completion of a draft Revised Professional Staff Certification Regulation document which includes a definition of the "highly qualified teacher" as required by the No Child Left Behind Law.
– The convening of three public hearings, on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, to receive testimony on the draft document.
– Review of about 650 applications for the 2003 Territorial Scholarship Program.
– Ongoing review of personnel files to determine the certification status of professional staff and the files of Education's prospective Special Legislative Grants Program.
– Revision of significant educational issues such as the addition of new classes, computer technology, and reading and writing programs.
The importance of the added programs, particularly at the primary level, was cited in a discussion of the "transitional classroom program" called for by the school board as a means of identifying academic problems of individual students. "Consequently, each student is able to receive the help needed in appropriate areas," Richards said.
However, this concept contradicts statements made earlier by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael, who had said that the system's "no retention" policy from kindergarten to fourth grade hinders growth on the primary levels.
"This is not so," Richards said. He also said that the Education Department has neither supported nor implemented the board's transitional classroom policy mandate, thus hindering the academic growth of at-risk students in the targeted areas.
"This is the reason why the children are not doing well," Richards said, "not because we are not retaining the students. If the students are being promoted, then the program is definitely not being implemented."
Senators raised questions about funding, the placement of special education students within the transitional program, and the adequacy of teacher training for the transitional classroom program.
Michael cited inadequate funding as a barrier to training teachers. Once again, Richards disagreed. "No, the teachers are being trained," he replied. "We even brought in teachers from the outside, from Ohio, to take a look at what's going on down here. We then met with the department so that we could get some sort of five-year plan." But, he added, such a plan "never really happened."
Instead, Richards said, the Education Department has been trying to implement a multi-age classroom which functions differently from the proposed transitional classroom. New board member Liston Davis, who served as Education commissioner and district schools superintendent in the Schneider administration, agreed, saying that policies thus become "unenforceable" since the board has no "enforcement mechanism."
Senators raised concerns about the impact of the factionalism within the board on problems within the school system.
Sen. Louis Hill urged the board "to consider the children of the Virgin Islands and how you impact on them and our educational system as you maneuver through your legalities."
Those "legalities" include a lawsuit against the board filed by board member Jorge Galiber, who was voted out as chair, 5-3, in March, and the current suspension of board attorney Nandie Sekou.
The school board representatives said reform is needed within the board and also within the public school system, but they also said the board has continued to make improvements in spite of its internal problems.
Hodge said she believes the board comprises "competent individuals." She said: "We just have to get together to form a more cohesive group. And if we need help, I believe that we can do it from the inside."
The committee was told that Hodge is retiring effective next week. Daniel said the position of executive director will be advertised in the hope of hiring a replacement within 90 days.
The school board itself was scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon.
Lottery proceeds to benefit education
In other action, the committee approved and reported to the Rules Committee an amended Bill 25-0042, to transfer 25 percent of V.I. Lottery proceeds from contracted games, including video lottery operations, into the Educational Initiative Fund.
Testifying in favor of the bill were Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull, Charlotte Amalie High School Principal Jeanette Smith and Education Commissioner Noreen Michael.
"I'm here to show support for this bill, for education in general, and for site-based management at our schools," Smith said. "We're supposed to perform miracles without specific resources, and it makes planning … difficult, because we don't often know when the money is coming or where it is coming from." She cited an immediate need at CAHS for summer repairs, especially to rooms damaged by a fire recently.
Committee members present Wednesday were the chair, Sen. Ronald Russell; and Sens. Roosevelt David, Hill, Shawn-Michael Malone and Luther Renee. Sens. Norman Jn. Baptiste and Usie Richards were excused. Non-committee members present were Sens. Carlton Dowe and Almando "Rocky" Liburd.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
MEMBERS: SCHOOL BOARD FUNCTIONAL DESPITE FEUDS
July 2, 2003 – Acknowledging widespread concern over public feuding within the Board of Education, its acting chair, Harry Daniel, told the Senate Education and Youth Committee on Wednesday that members are "attempting to resolve all internal issues." However, he insisted, "in spite of the complications, the board has continued to function."
Supported by fellow member Keith Richards and executive director Evadney Hodge, Daniel said at the Wednesday morning hearing that recent board accomplishments include:
– Addressing critical education issues, particularly the requirements of the compliance agreement between the U.S. and V.I. Education Departments and the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
– Completion of a draft Revised Professional Staff Certification Regulation document which includes a definition of the "highly qualified teacher" as required by the No Child Left Behind Law.
– The convening of three public hearings, on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, to receive testimony on the draft document.
– Review of about 650 applications for the 2003 Territorial Scholarship Program.
– Ongoing review of personnel files to determine the certification status of professional staff and the files of Education's prospective Special Legislative Grants Program.
– Revision of significant educational issues such as the addition of new classes, computer technology, and reading and writing programs.
The importance of the added programs, particularly at the primary level, was cited in a discussion of the "transitional classroom program" called for by the school board as a means of identifying academic problems of individual students. "Consequently, each student is able to receive the help needed in appropriate areas," Richards said.
However, this concept contradicts statements made earlier by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael, who had said that the system's "no retention" policy from kindergarten to fourth grade hinders growth on the primary levels.
"This is not so," Richards said. He also said that the Education Department has neither supported nor implemented the board's transitional classroom policy mandate, thus hindering the academic growth of at-risk students in the targeted areas.
"This is the reason why the children are not doing well," Richards said, "not because we are not retaining the students. If the students are being promoted, then the program is definitely not being implemented."
Senators raised questions about funding, the placement of special education students within the transitional program, and the adequacy of teacher training for the transitional classroom program.
Michael cited inadequate funding as a barrier to training teachers. Once again, Richards disagreed. "No, the teachers are being trained," he replied. "We even brought in teachers from the outside, from Ohio, to take a look at what's going on down here. We then met with the department so that we could get some sort of five-year plan." But, he added, such a plan "never really happened."
Instead, Richards said, the Education Department has been trying to implement a multi-age classroom which functions differently from the proposed transitional classroom. New board member Liston Davis, who served as Education commissioner and district schools superintendent in the Schneider administration, agreed, saying that policies thus become "unenforceable" since the board has no "enforcement mechanism."
Senators raised concerns about the impact of the factionalism within the board on problems within the school system.
Sen. Louis Hill urged the board "to consider the children of the Virgin Islands and how you impact on them and our educational system as you maneuver through your legalities."
Those "legalities" include a lawsuit against the board filed by board member Jorge Galiber, who was voted out as chair, 5-3, in March, and the current suspension of board attorney Nandie Sekou.
The school board representatives said reform is needed within the board and also within the public school system, but they also said the board has continued to make improvements in spite of its internal problems.
Hodge said she believes the board comprises "competent individuals." She said: "We just have to get together to form a more cohesive group. And if we need help, I believe that we can do it from the inside."
The committee was told that Hodge is retiring effective next week. Daniel said the position of executive director will be advertised in the hope of hiring a replacement within 90 days.
The school board itself was scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon.
Lottery proceeds to benefit education
In other action, the committee approved and reported to the Rules Committee an amended Bill 25-0042, to transfer 25 percent of V.I. Lottery proceeds from contracted games, including video lottery operations, into the Educational Initiative Fund.
Testifying in favor of the bill were Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull, Charlotte Amalie High School Principal Jeanette Smith and Education Commissioner Noreen Michael.
"I'm here to show support for this bill, for education in general, and for site-based management at our schools," Smith said. "We're supposed to perform miracles without specific resources, and it makes planning … difficult, because we don't often know when the money is coming or where it is coming from." She cited an immediate need at CAHS for summer repairs, especially to rooms damaged by a fire recently.
Committee members present Wednesday were the chair, Sen. Ronald Russell; and Sens. Roosevelt David, Hill, Shawn-Michael Malone and Luther Renee. Sens. Norman Jn. Baptiste and Usie Richards were excused. Non-committee members present were Sens. Carlton Dowe and Almando "Rocky" Liburd.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Supported by fellow member Keith Richards and executive director Evadney Hodge, Daniel said at the Wednesday morning hearing that recent board accomplishments include:
– Addressing critical education issues, particularly the requirements of the compliance agreement between the U.S. and V.I. Education Departments and the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
– Completion of a draft Revised Professional Staff Certification Regulation document which includes a definition of the "highly qualified teacher" as required by the No Child Left Behind Law.
– The convening of three public hearings, on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, to receive testimony on the draft document.
– Review of about 650 applications for the 2003 Territorial Scholarship Program.
– Ongoing review of personnel files to determine the certification status of professional staff and the files of Education's prospective Special Legislative Grants Program.
– Revision of significant educational issues such as the addition of new classes, computer technology, and reading and writing programs.
The importance of the added programs, particularly at the primary level, was cited in a discussion of the "transitional classroom program" called for by the school board as a means of identifying academic problems of individual students. "Consequently, each student is able to receive the help needed in appropriate areas," Richards said.
However, this concept contradicts statements made earlier by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael, who had said that the system's "no retention" policy from kindergarten to fourth grade hinders growth on the primary levels.
"This is not so," Richards said. He also said that the Education Department has neither supported nor implemented the board's transitional classroom policy mandate, thus hindering the academic growth of at-risk students in the targeted areas.
"This is the reason why the children are not doing well," Richards said, "not because we are not retaining the students. If the students are being promoted, then the program is definitely not being implemented."
Senators raised questions about funding, the placement of special education students within the transitional program, and the adequacy of teacher training for the transitional classroom program.
Michael cited inadequate funding as a barrier to training teachers. Once again, Richards disagreed. "No, the teachers are being trained," he replied. "We even brought in teachers from the outside, from Ohio, to take a look at what's going on down here. We then met with the department so that we could get some sort of five-year plan." But, he added, such a plan "never really happened."
Instead, Richards said, the Education Department has been trying to implement a multi-age classroom which functions differently from the proposed transitional classroom. New board member Liston Davis, who served as Education commissioner and district schools superintendent in the Schneider administration, agreed, saying that policies thus become "unenforceable" since the board has no "enforcement mechanism."
Senators raised concerns about the impact of the factionalism within the board on problems within the school system.
Sen. Louis Hill urged the board "to consider the children of the Virgin Islands and how you impact on them and our educational system as you maneuver through your legalities."
Those "legalities" include a lawsuit against the board filed by board member Jorge Galiber, who was voted out as chair, 5-3, in March, and the current suspension of board attorney Nandie Sekou.
The school board representatives said reform is needed within the board and also within the public school system, but they also said the board has continued to make improvements in spite of its internal problems.
Hodge said she believes the board comprises "competent individuals." She said: "We just have to get together to form a more cohesive group. And if we need help, I believe that we can do it from the inside."
The committee was told that Hodge is retiring effective next week. Daniel said the position of executive director will be advertised in the hope of hiring a replacement within 90 days.
The school board itself was scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon.
Lottery proceeds to benefit education
In other action, the committee approved and reported to the Rules Committee an amended Bill 25-0042, to transfer 25 percent of V.I. Lottery proceeds from contracted games, including video lottery operations, into the Educational Initiative Fund.
Testifying in favor of the bill were Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull, Charlotte Amalie High School Principal Jeanette Smith and Education Commissioner Noreen Michael.
"I'm here to show support for this bill, for education in general, and for site-based management at our schools," Smith said. "We're supposed to perform miracles without specific resources, and it makes planning … difficult, because we don't often know when the money is coming or where it is coming from." She cited an immediate need at CAHS for summer repairs, especially to rooms damaged by a fire recently.
Committee members present Wednesday were the chair, Sen. Ronald Russell; and Sens. Roosevelt David, Hill, Shawn-Michael Malone and Luther Renee. Sens. Norman Jn. Baptiste and Usie Richards were excused. Non-committee members present were Sens. Carlton Dowe and Almando "Rocky" Liburd.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
MEMBERS: SCHOOL BOARD FUNCTIONAL DESPITE FEUDS
July 2, 2003 – Acknowledging widespread concern over public feuding within the Board of Education, its acting chair, Harry Daniel, told the Senate Education and Youth Committee on Wednesday that members are "attempting to resolve all internal issues." However, he insisted, "in spite of the complications, the board has continued to function."
Supported by fellow member Keith Richards and executive director Evadney Hodge, Daniel said at the Wednesday morning hearing that recent board accomplishments include:
– Addressing critical education issues, particularly the requirements of the compliance agreement between the U.S. and V.I. Education Departments and the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
– Completion of a draft Revised Professional Staff Certification Regulation document which includes a definition of the "highly qualified teacher" as required by the No Child Left Behind Law.
– The convening of three public hearings, on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, to receive testimony on the draft document.
– Review of about 650 applications for the 2003 Territorial Scholarship Program.
– Ongoing review of personnel files to determine the certification status of professional staff and the files of Education's prospective Special Legislative Grants Program.
– Revision of significant educational issues such as the addition of new classes, computer technology, and reading and writing programs.
The importance of the added programs, particularly at the primary level, was cited in a discussion of the "transitional classroom program" called for by the school board as a means of identifying academic problems of individual students. "Consequently, each student is able to receive the help needed in appropriate areas," Richards said.
However, this concept contradicts statements made earlier by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael, who had said that the system's "no retention" policy from kindergarten to fourth grade hinders growth on the primary levels.
"This is not so," Richards said. He also said that the Education Department has neither supported nor implemented the board's transitional classroom policy mandate, thus hindering the academic growth of at-risk students in the targeted areas.
"This is the reason why the children are not doing well," Richards said, "not because we are not retaining the students. If the students are being promoted, then the program is definitely not being implemented."
Senators raised questions about funding, the placement of special education students within the transitional program, and the adequacy of teacher training for the transitional classroom program.
Michael cited inadequate funding as a barrier to training teachers. Once again, Richards disagreed. "No, the teachers are being trained," he replied. "We even brought in teachers from the outside, from Ohio, to take a look at what's going on down here. We then met with the department so that we could get some sort of five-year plan." But, he added, such a plan "never really happened."
Instead, Richards said, the Education Department has been trying to implement a multi-age classroom which functions differently from the proposed transitional classroom. New board member Liston Davis, who served as Education commissioner and district schools superintendent in the Schneider administration, agreed, saying that policies thus become "unenforceable" since the board has no "enforcement mechanism."
Senators raised concerns about the impact of the factionalism within the board on problems within the school system.
Sen. Louis Hill urged the board "to consider the children of the Virgin Islands and how you impact on them and our educational system as you maneuver through your legalities."
Those "legalities" include a lawsuit against the board filed by board member Jorge Galiber, who was voted out as chair, 5-3, in March, and the current suspension of board attorney Nandie Sekou.
The school board representatives said reform is needed within the board and also within the public school system, but they also said the board has continued to make improvements in spite of its internal problems.
Hodge said she believes the board comprises "competent individuals." She said: "We just have to get together to form a more cohesive group. And if we need help, I believe that we can do it from the inside."
The committee was told that Hodge is retiring effective next week. Daniel said the position of executive director will be advertised in the hope of hiring a replacement within 90 days.
The school board itself was scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon.
Lottery proceeds to benefit education
In other action, the committee approved and reported to the Rules Committee an amended Bill 25-0042, to transfer 25 percent of V.I. Lottery proceeds from contracted games, including video lottery operations, into the Educational Initiative Fund.
Testifying in favor of the bill were Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull, Charlotte Amalie High School Principal Jeanette Smith and Education Commissioner Noreen Michael.
"I'm here to show support for this bill, for education in general, and for site-based management at our schools," Smith said. "We're supposed to perform miracles without specific resources, and it makes planning … difficult, because we don't often know when the money is coming or where it is coming from." She cited an immediate need at CAHS for summer repairs, especially to rooms damaged by a fire recently.
Committee members present Wednesday were the chair, Sen. Ronald Russell; and Sens. Roosevelt David, Hill, Shawn-Michael Malone and Luther Renee. Sens. Norman Jn. Baptiste and Usie Richards were excused. Non-committee members present were Sens. Carlton Dowe and Almando "Rocky" Liburd.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
Supported by fellow member Keith Richards and executive director Evadney Hodge, Daniel said at the Wednesday morning hearing that recent board accomplishments include:
– Addressing critical education issues, particularly the requirements of the compliance agreement between the U.S. and V.I. Education Departments and the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
– Completion of a draft Revised Professional Staff Certification Regulation document which includes a definition of the "highly qualified teacher" as required by the No Child Left Behind Law.
– The convening of three public hearings, on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, to receive testimony on the draft document.
– Review of about 650 applications for the 2003 Territorial Scholarship Program.
– Ongoing review of personnel files to determine the certification status of professional staff and the files of Education's prospective Special Legislative Grants Program.
– Revision of significant educational issues such as the addition of new classes, computer technology, and reading and writing programs.
The importance of the added programs, particularly at the primary level, was cited in a discussion of the "transitional classroom program" called for by the school board as a means of identifying academic problems of individual students. "Consequently, each student is able to receive the help needed in appropriate areas," Richards said.
However, this concept contradicts statements made earlier by Education Commissioner Noreen Michael, who had said that the system's "no retention" policy from kindergarten to fourth grade hinders growth on the primary levels.
"This is not so," Richards said. He also said that the Education Department has neither supported nor implemented the board's transitional classroom policy mandate, thus hindering the academic growth of at-risk students in the targeted areas.
"This is the reason why the children are not doing well," Richards said, "not because we are not retaining the students. If the students are being promoted, then the program is definitely not being implemented."
Senators raised questions about funding, the placement of special education students within the transitional program, and the adequacy of teacher training for the transitional classroom program.
Michael cited inadequate funding as a barrier to training teachers. Once again, Richards disagreed. "No, the teachers are being trained," he replied. "We even brought in teachers from the outside, from Ohio, to take a look at what's going on down here. We then met with the department so that we could get some sort of five-year plan." But, he added, such a plan "never really happened."
Instead, Richards said, the Education Department has been trying to implement a multi-age classroom which functions differently from the proposed transitional classroom. New board member Liston Davis, who served as Education commissioner and district schools superintendent in the Schneider administration, agreed, saying that policies thus become "unenforceable" since the board has no "enforcement mechanism."
Senators raised concerns about the impact of the factionalism within the board on problems within the school system.
Sen. Louis Hill urged the board "to consider the children of the Virgin Islands and how you impact on them and our educational system as you maneuver through your legalities."
Those "legalities" include a lawsuit against the board filed by board member Jorge Galiber, who was voted out as chair, 5-3, in March, and the current suspension of board attorney Nandie Sekou.
The school board representatives said reform is needed within the board and also within the public school system, but they also said the board has continued to make improvements in spite of its internal problems.
Hodge said she believes the board comprises "competent individuals." She said: "We just have to get together to form a more cohesive group. And if we need help, I believe that we can do it from the inside."
The committee was told that Hodge is retiring effective next week. Daniel said the position of executive director will be advertised in the hope of hiring a replacement within 90 days.
The school board itself was scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon.
Lottery proceeds to benefit education
In other action, the committee approved and reported to the Rules Committee an amended Bill 25-0042, to transfer 25 percent of V.I. Lottery proceeds from contracted games, including video lottery operations, into the Educational Initiative Fund.
Testifying in favor of the bill were Finance Commissioner Bernice Turnbull, Charlotte Amalie High School Principal Jeanette Smith and Education Commissioner Noreen Michael.
"I'm here to show support for this bill, for education in general, and for site-based management at our schools," Smith said. "We're supposed to perform miracles without specific resources, and it makes planning … difficult, because we don't often know when the money is coming or where it is coming from." She cited an immediate need at CAHS for summer repairs, especially to rooms damaged by a fire recently.
Committee members present Wednesday were the chair, Sen. Ronald Russell; and Sens. Roosevelt David, Hill, Shawn-Michael Malone and Luther Renee. Sens. Norman Jn. Baptiste and Usie Richards were excused. Non-committee members present were Sens. Carlton Dowe and Almando "Rocky" Liburd.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
DONASTORG: BUDGET HEARINGS TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK
July 2, 2003 – Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said on Wednesday that his Finance Committee will open hearings on the 2004 Fiscal Year budget next week with or without Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's proposed appropriations.
And at the moment, it appears that it will be without them.
By law the governor is required to submit the following fiscal year's proposed budget for the executive branch to the Legislature by May 30. Historically this has been done sometimes and not done other times; the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, and when a new budget has not been approved by then, business continues under the provisions of the previous one.
Turnbull has held off submitting the proposed FY 2004 budget in large part because of unanswered questions concerning the territory's Fiscal Year 2003 deficit and how it so be addressed. In May the governor proposed borrowing another $235 million via another bond issue; the bill passed the Finance Committee last week (with only Donastorg voting in opposition) despite reservations expressed by senators and private sector leaders; it is now before the Rules Committee.
At last count, the administration was predicting a shortfall of $152 million at the end of FY 2003. The governor proposed a number of new and increased taxes directed to the business sector in addition to the bond issue as revenue-enhancing measures; the Senate last month rejected most of them. Turnbull has adamantly resisted downsizing the government work force or the government work week.
Initially all 15 senators told the governor they would not consider the bond issue bill unless and until he agreed to roll back the hefty pay raises he gave by executive order to hundreds of unclassified employees before last fall's elections. His comeback was an offer to impose slight, temporary reductions of 2 per cent to 10 percent on a sliding scale for six months at the most. On Tuesday night he announced that he was implementing that proposal.
Finance Committee FY 2003 budget hearings initially were to have begun in June. Donastorg said in a release on Wednesday that "we are forced to proceed without the governor's budget. We had hoped for something to work with, but in these times of financial crisis, we cannot afford to wait."
He said the budget hearings will open at 10 a.m. Monday and continue through the second week of August. All sessions but one will take place on St. Thomas, he said.
This promises to be a long and frustrating process," Donastorg said. "We continue to look for new revenue sources and creative ways to reduce government spending."
In the meantime, Donastorg said, the government needs to collect what it's owed. "We have millions of dollars on the street," he said. "We can't get a true picture of how much we need to raise and cut until we make a better effort to bring in what we are already owed."
He noted that he also favors "going after taxes" from Economic Development Commission beneficiaries that "fail to comply with the terms of their agreements."
Donastorg did not provide a timeline for officials of the executive branch departments and agencies to testify concerning their budgetary needs and wants for next year. In years past, the first session has been an overview of the government's fiscal outlook provided by top officials of the Finance Department, Office of Management and Budget and Internal Revenue Bureau.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
And at the moment, it appears that it will be without them.
By law the governor is required to submit the following fiscal year's proposed budget for the executive branch to the Legislature by May 30. Historically this has been done sometimes and not done other times; the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, and when a new budget has not been approved by then, business continues under the provisions of the previous one.
Turnbull has held off submitting the proposed FY 2004 budget in large part because of unanswered questions concerning the territory's Fiscal Year 2003 deficit and how it so be addressed. In May the governor proposed borrowing another $235 million via another bond issue; the bill passed the Finance Committee last week (with only Donastorg voting in opposition) despite reservations expressed by senators and private sector leaders; it is now before the Rules Committee.
At last count, the administration was predicting a shortfall of $152 million at the end of FY 2003. The governor proposed a number of new and increased taxes directed to the business sector in addition to the bond issue as revenue-enhancing measures; the Senate last month rejected most of them. Turnbull has adamantly resisted downsizing the government work force or the government work week.
Initially all 15 senators told the governor they would not consider the bond issue bill unless and until he agreed to roll back the hefty pay raises he gave by executive order to hundreds of unclassified employees before last fall's elections. His comeback was an offer to impose slight, temporary reductions of 2 per cent to 10 percent on a sliding scale for six months at the most. On Tuesday night he announced that he was implementing that proposal.
Finance Committee FY 2003 budget hearings initially were to have begun in June. Donastorg said in a release on Wednesday that "we are forced to proceed without the governor's budget. We had hoped for something to work with, but in these times of financial crisis, we cannot afford to wait."
He said the budget hearings will open at 10 a.m. Monday and continue through the second week of August. All sessions but one will take place on St. Thomas, he said.
This promises to be a long and frustrating process," Donastorg said. "We continue to look for new revenue sources and creative ways to reduce government spending."
In the meantime, Donastorg said, the government needs to collect what it's owed. "We have millions of dollars on the street," he said. "We can't get a true picture of how much we need to raise and cut until we make a better effort to bring in what we are already owed."
He noted that he also favors "going after taxes" from Economic Development Commission beneficiaries that "fail to comply with the terms of their agreements."
Donastorg did not provide a timeline for officials of the executive branch departments and agencies to testify concerning their budgetary needs and wants for next year. In years past, the first session has been an overview of the government's fiscal outlook provided by top officials of the Finance Department, Office of Management and Budget and Internal Revenue Bureau.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
DONASTORG: BUDGET HEARINGS TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK
July 2, 2003 – Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said on Wednesday that his Finance Committee will open hearings on the 2004 Fiscal Year budget next week with or without Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's proposed appropriations.
And at the moment, it appears that it will be without them.
By law the governor is required to submit the following fiscal year's proposed budget for the executive branch to the Legislature by May 30. Historically this has been done sometimes and not done other times; the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, and when a new budget has not been approved by then, business continues under the provisions of the previous one.
Turnbull has held off submitting the proposed FY 2004 budget in large part because of unanswered questions concerning the territory's Fiscal Year 2003 deficit and how it so be addressed. In May the governor proposed borrowing another $235 million via another bond issue; the bill passed the Finance Committee last week (with only Donastorg voting in opposition) despite reservations expressed by senators and private sector leaders; it is now before the Rules Committee.
At last count, the administration was predicting a shortfall of $152 million at the end of FY 2003. The governor proposed a number of new and increased taxes directed to the business sector in addition to the bond issue as revenue-enhancing measures; the Senate last month rejected most of them. Turnbull has adamantly resisted downsizing the government work force or the government work week.
Initially all 15 senators told the governor they would not consider the bond issue bill unless and until he agreed to roll back the hefty pay raises he gave by executive order to hundreds of unclassified employees before last fall's elections. His comeback was an offer to impose slight, temporary reductions of 2 per cent to 10 percent on a sliding scale for six months at the most. On Tuesday night he announced that he was implementing that proposal.
Finance Committee FY 2003 budget hearings initially were to have begun in June. Donastorg said in a release on Wednesday that "we are forced to proceed without the governor's budget. We had hoped for something to work with, but in these times of financial crisis, we cannot afford to wait."
He said the budget hearings will open at 10 a.m. Monday and continue through the second week of August. All sessions but one will take place on St. Thomas, he said.
This promises to be a long and frustrating process," Donastorg said. "We continue to look for new revenue sources and creative ways to reduce government spending."
In the meantime, Donastorg said, the government needs to collect what it's owed. "We have millions of dollars on the street," he said. "We can't get a true picture of how much we need to raise and cut until we make a better effort to bring in what we are already owed."
He noted that he also favors "going after taxes" from Economic Development Commission beneficiaries that "fail to comply with the terms of their agreements."
Donastorg did not provide a timeline for officials of the executive branch departments and agencies to testify concerning their budgetary needs and wants for next year. In years past, the first session has been an overview of the government's fiscal outlook provided by top officials of the Finance Department, Office of Management and Budget and Internal Revenue Bureau.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
And at the moment, it appears that it will be without them.
By law the governor is required to submit the following fiscal year's proposed budget for the executive branch to the Legislature by May 30. Historically this has been done sometimes and not done other times; the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, and when a new budget has not been approved by then, business continues under the provisions of the previous one.
Turnbull has held off submitting the proposed FY 2004 budget in large part because of unanswered questions concerning the territory's Fiscal Year 2003 deficit and how it so be addressed. In May the governor proposed borrowing another $235 million via another bond issue; the bill passed the Finance Committee last week (with only Donastorg voting in opposition) despite reservations expressed by senators and private sector leaders; it is now before the Rules Committee.
At last count, the administration was predicting a shortfall of $152 million at the end of FY 2003. The governor proposed a number of new and increased taxes directed to the business sector in addition to the bond issue as revenue-enhancing measures; the Senate last month rejected most of them. Turnbull has adamantly resisted downsizing the government work force or the government work week.
Initially all 15 senators told the governor they would not consider the bond issue bill unless and until he agreed to roll back the hefty pay raises he gave by executive order to hundreds of unclassified employees before last fall's elections. His comeback was an offer to impose slight, temporary reductions of 2 per cent to 10 percent on a sliding scale for six months at the most. On Tuesday night he announced that he was implementing that proposal.
Finance Committee FY 2003 budget hearings initially were to have begun in June. Donastorg said in a release on Wednesday that "we are forced to proceed without the governor's budget. We had hoped for something to work with, but in these times of financial crisis, we cannot afford to wait."
He said the budget hearings will open at 10 a.m. Monday and continue through the second week of August. All sessions but one will take place on St. Thomas, he said.
This promises to be a long and frustrating process," Donastorg said. "We continue to look for new revenue sources and creative ways to reduce government spending."
In the meantime, Donastorg said, the government needs to collect what it's owed. "We have millions of dollars on the street," he said. "We can't get a true picture of how much we need to raise and cut until we make a better effort to bring in what we are already owed."
He noted that he also favors "going after taxes" from Economic Development Commission beneficiaries that "fail to comply with the terms of their agreements."
Donastorg did not provide a timeline for officials of the executive branch departments and agencies to testify concerning their budgetary needs and wants for next year. In years past, the first session has been an overview of the government's fiscal outlook provided by top officials of the Finance Department, Office of Management and Budget and Internal Revenue Bureau.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
DONASTORG: BUDGET HEARINGS TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK
July 2, 2003 – Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said on Wednesday that his Finance Committee will open hearings on the 2004 Fiscal Year budget next week with or without Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's proposed appropriations.
And at the moment, it appears that it will be without them.
By law the governor is required to submit the following fiscal year's proposed budget for the executive branch to the Legislature by May 30. Historically this has been done sometimes and not done other times; the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, and when a new budget has not been approved by then, business continues under the provisions of the previous one.
Turnbull has held off submitting the proposed FY 2004 budget in large part because of unanswered questions concerning the territory's Fiscal Year 2003 deficit and how it so be addressed. In May the governor proposed borrowing another $235 million via another bond issue; the bill passed the Finance Committee last week (with only Donastorg voting in opposition) despite reservations expressed by senators and private sector leaders; it is now before the Rules Committee.
At last count, the administration was predicting a shortfall of $152 million at the end of FY 2003. The governor proposed a number of new and increased taxes directed to the business sector in addition to the bond issue as revenue-enhancing measures; the Senate last month rejected most of them. Turnbull has adamantly resisted downsizing the government work force or the government work week.
Initially all 15 senators told the governor they would not consider the bond issue bill unless and until he agreed to roll back the hefty pay raises he gave by executive order to hundreds of unclassified employees before last fall's elections. His comeback was an offer to impose slight, temporary reductions of 2 per cent to 10 percent on a sliding scale for six months at the most. On Tuesday night he announced that he was implementing that proposal.
Finance Committee FY 2003 budget hearings initially were to have begun in June. Donastorg said in a release on Wednesday that "we are forced to proceed without the governor's budget. We had hoped for something to work with, but in these times of financial crisis, we cannot afford to wait."
He said the budget hearings will open at 10 a.m. Monday and continue through the second week of August. All sessions but one will take place on St. Thomas, he said.
This promises to be a long and frustrating process," Donastorg said. "We continue to look for new revenue sources and creative ways to reduce government spending."
In the meantime, Donastorg said, the government needs to collect what it's owed. "We have millions of dollars on the street," he said. "We can't get a true picture of how much we need to raise and cut until we make a better effort to bring in what we are already owed."
He noted that he also favors "going after taxes" from Economic Development Commission beneficiaries that "fail to comply with the terms of their agreements."
Donastorg did not provide a timeline for officials of the executive branch departments and agencies to testify concerning their budgetary needs and wants for next year. In years past, the first session has been an overview of the government's fiscal outlook provided by top officials of the Finance Department, Office of Management and Budget and Internal Revenue Bureau.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
And at the moment, it appears that it will be without them.
By law the governor is required to submit the following fiscal year's proposed budget for the executive branch to the Legislature by May 30. Historically this has been done sometimes and not done other times; the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, and when a new budget has not been approved by then, business continues under the provisions of the previous one.
Turnbull has held off submitting the proposed FY 2004 budget in large part because of unanswered questions concerning the territory's Fiscal Year 2003 deficit and how it so be addressed. In May the governor proposed borrowing another $235 million via another bond issue; the bill passed the Finance Committee last week (with only Donastorg voting in opposition) despite reservations expressed by senators and private sector leaders; it is now before the Rules Committee.
At last count, the administration was predicting a shortfall of $152 million at the end of FY 2003. The governor proposed a number of new and increased taxes directed to the business sector in addition to the bond issue as revenue-enhancing measures; the Senate last month rejected most of them. Turnbull has adamantly resisted downsizing the government work force or the government work week.
Initially all 15 senators told the governor they would not consider the bond issue bill unless and until he agreed to roll back the hefty pay raises he gave by executive order to hundreds of unclassified employees before last fall's elections. His comeback was an offer to impose slight, temporary reductions of 2 per cent to 10 percent on a sliding scale for six months at the most. On Tuesday night he announced that he was implementing that proposal.
Finance Committee FY 2003 budget hearings initially were to have begun in June. Donastorg said in a release on Wednesday that "we are forced to proceed without the governor's budget. We had hoped for something to work with, but in these times of financial crisis, we cannot afford to wait."
He said the budget hearings will open at 10 a.m. Monday and continue through the second week of August. All sessions but one will take place on St. Thomas, he said.
This promises to be a long and frustrating process," Donastorg said. "We continue to look for new revenue sources and creative ways to reduce government spending."
In the meantime, Donastorg said, the government needs to collect what it's owed. "We have millions of dollars on the street," he said. "We can't get a true picture of how much we need to raise and cut until we make a better effort to bring in what we are already owed."
He noted that he also favors "going after taxes" from Economic Development Commission beneficiaries that "fail to comply with the terms of their agreements."
Donastorg did not provide a timeline for officials of the executive branch departments and agencies to testify concerning their budgetary needs and wants for next year. In years past, the first session has been an overview of the government's fiscal outlook provided by top officials of the Finance Department, Office of Management and Budget and Internal Revenue Bureau.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
'SOUL JAZZ' TO FINISH OFF 2ND YEAR OF JAZZ VESPERS
July 2, 2003 – The second year of monthly Jazz Vespers "around sunset" concerts at the St. Croix Reformed Church comes to a close on Sunday with a performance by the Dave McKean Ensemble.
The evening's program, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will focus on"Soul Jazz." The term relates to the music of the late 1960s and '70s, notably that of such artists as Eddie Harris, Miles Davis, Hank Crawford and Jimmy Smith, that was the pre curser to what's called "Smooth Jazz" today, according to a release.
Playing with drummer McKean for this date will be "Pikey" Copemann on saxophone, Mario Thomas on bass and Lucien James on keyboards.
McKean, a member of Rhythmix and VI Art Ensemble, studied at the Army Navy School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, and played in the Army band at Washington State University. He was staff percussionist at LA Golden West Studio and taught with the Tacoma Symphony's Youth Development Program. He has worked with saxophonist Crawford and was house drummer at Smith's club in Los Angeles. He came to St. Croix in 1994 for the "Jazz in Paradise" festival and a few days after arriving was gigging with the St. Thomas All Stars steelband at Pier 69.
Copemann, an art teacher at Lew Muckle School, has been enthralled with jazz since his Central High School days. A self-taught saxophonist, he is the founder of the Native Rhythm Band. He has performed with various Crucian bands, including Free Association and Taco & The Playboys, and works regularly with VI Art Ensemble. His recorded work can be heard on "Joe Parris & The Hot Shots," Vol.4, and the latest Rico & The Stars release. He also in an accomplished painter and a published poet.
Thomas, the son of Crucian band leader Scypio Thomas, began studying bass at age 10 and soon was playing calypso, reggae and whatever was popular on the radio at the time. He formed his own group, Together Root, in the ninth grade. He studied at the Military School of Music in Washington, D.C., and at Howard University, where he played in the Jazz Septet, which toured Africa. He has worked with Jon Faddis, Louie Belson and Wynton Marsalis and played in Dave Yarborough's band.
No information was provided for James.
The Reformed Church is located in Estate La Reine on the hill above the Kingshill Post Office. Admission to the concert is free but an offering is taken. Attendees, especially young and aspiring musicians, are invited to meet the artists during a reception with complimentary refreshments that will follow the performance.
Jazz Vespers is held on the first Sunday of each month except for August. The third year will kick off with a performance by Paradise on Sept. 7, to be followed by Marcus Rabb with Strings on Oct 5. and Diane Russell on Nov. 2.
For more information, e-mail to Jazz Vespers or call 719-3672 or 778-0520.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
The evening's program, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will focus on"Soul Jazz." The term relates to the music of the late 1960s and '70s, notably that of such artists as Eddie Harris, Miles Davis, Hank Crawford and Jimmy Smith, that was the pre curser to what's called "Smooth Jazz" today, according to a release.
Playing with drummer McKean for this date will be "Pikey" Copemann on saxophone, Mario Thomas on bass and Lucien James on keyboards.
McKean, a member of Rhythmix and VI Art Ensemble, studied at the Army Navy School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, and played in the Army band at Washington State University. He was staff percussionist at LA Golden West Studio and taught with the Tacoma Symphony's Youth Development Program. He has worked with saxophonist Crawford and was house drummer at Smith's club in Los Angeles. He came to St. Croix in 1994 for the "Jazz in Paradise" festival and a few days after arriving was gigging with the St. Thomas All Stars steelband at Pier 69.
Copemann, an art teacher at Lew Muckle School, has been enthralled with jazz since his Central High School days. A self-taught saxophonist, he is the founder of the Native Rhythm Band. He has performed with various Crucian bands, including Free Association and Taco & The Playboys, and works regularly with VI Art Ensemble. His recorded work can be heard on "Joe Parris & The Hot Shots," Vol.4, and the latest Rico & The Stars release. He also in an accomplished painter and a published poet.
Thomas, the son of Crucian band leader Scypio Thomas, began studying bass at age 10 and soon was playing calypso, reggae and whatever was popular on the radio at the time. He formed his own group, Together Root, in the ninth grade. He studied at the Military School of Music in Washington, D.C., and at Howard University, where he played in the Jazz Septet, which toured Africa. He has worked with Jon Faddis, Louie Belson and Wynton Marsalis and played in Dave Yarborough's band.
No information was provided for James.
The Reformed Church is located in Estate La Reine on the hill above the Kingshill Post Office. Admission to the concert is free but an offering is taken. Attendees, especially young and aspiring musicians, are invited to meet the artists during a reception with complimentary refreshments that will follow the performance.
Jazz Vespers is held on the first Sunday of each month except for August. The third year will kick off with a performance by Paradise on Sept. 7, to be followed by Marcus Rabb with Strings on Oct 5. and Diane Russell on Nov. 2.
For more information, e-mail to Jazz Vespers or call 719-3672 or 778-0520.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
