According to Department of Education spokeswoman June Archibald, there are at least nine vacant math/science teacher positions at the secondary level and teachers in general are fleeing at the rate of three per day. These figures would indicate a need for at least 40 teachers by now, with more vacancies to come.
One immediate answer to the ever-present problem of not enough teachers would be to send many of the central office personnel into the classroom. Surely the directors of the various divisions and the commissioner can answer questions germane to their functions without resorting to a "spokesperson" at a salary and benefit package greater than that of a teacher. The list of non-teaching "professionals" in education is extensive.
Another answer is immediate legislation allowing retired government employees to take teaching positions if they have the qualifications. At present, a government retiree can obtain either a part time or full time position at the university depending upon ones skills, educational background, and politics
The only job a government retiree can take with the Department of Education, without forgoing their retirement benefits, is that of a substitute teacher. According to a Daily News editorial, substitute teachers are paid less than a high school drop out bus driver. Even then, the retiree can only work a total of 75 days at a full day's pay, or less than 20 hours per week.
South Carolina has an educational problem similar to that of the Virgin Islands. South Carolina simply lacks the tax base to provide adequate funds to hire teachers at compensation levels equal to private enterprise. This results in vacancies and ill prepared teachers. In order to overcome some of this problem, the state legislature has passed legislation to allow retired teachers to return to the classroom while retaining their retirement status and pay.
When one thinks about it, this is a win/ win situation. On the teacher's part, it allows those who wish to have a couple more years of solid pay to help finance the ever increasing golden years provided by an extended life expectancy. On the school finance side, the teachers' benefit packages can be significantly reduced. As far as the children are concerned, they benefit with the retention of fully qualified and experienced teachers.
Can the Virgin Islands legislature be this astute? Only time will tell.
