May 4, 2007 — Education officials on Wednesday met with faculty, staff, parents and administrators of J. Antonio Jarvis Elementary School to advise them of a proposed plan to convert the school into a primary school and close the intermediate grades, according to a release issued Friday.
Acting St. Thomas-St. John Schools Superintendent Lisa Hassell-Forde outlined the plans to maintain the school as a primary school with grades K through 3 at the Annex and transfer all other students to Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School.
"The decision to move forward with this plan was not an easy one," said Hassell-Forde, "but one that has to be made to ensure the health and safety of the students and staff of Jarvis Elementary and the surrounding community.
"For many years, the department has been involved in discussions with parent and community groups regarding the deteriorating conditions of the school’s main campus and looking at alternatives to moving the school or even the construction of a new school. Those plans are still a way off, but our students are here now and they require our immediate consideration."
Hassell-Forde noted that Tuitt Elementary is currently operated well below capacity, adding, "The proposal provides that additional administration, faculty and staff be transferred to the school, as well as the implementation of bus transportation, where necessary, for students attending the school out of district.
"We at the department see this initiative as a positive move," the superintendent said. "It is a move toward the future of public schools in the territory in which we continue to provide safe and meaningful educational experiences for all of our students, faculty and staff."
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