Dear Source:
Some may feel that not confirming Lynn Spampinato as commissioner of education is a set back for the children of the Virgin Islands. Actually, it's a blessing in disguise. While the governor prepares to present his plan B, he did have an alternate plan, didn't he? Those committed to excellence in education along with the Board of Education, "together we can," can/should lend their expertise and develop a comprehensive educational plan for "educational reform" for each district. This plan must reflect the academic skills and training necessary for the economic growth and development for the Virgin Islands.
However, these critical questions need to be answered by the deJongh administration.
Where does this administration envision the economic needs of the territory to be in 5,10,15, 20 years from now? How will they be met? How much community input/discussion guided this decision?
What will the children of the Virgin Islands need to learn to effectively and successfully participate in the economic growth and development of the territory as well as participating globally? What steps have been taken to determine and develop plans and solutions for these areas?
What alternative and nontraditional programs will be implemented to give our youth who are not challenged by traditional educational approaches an opportunity to explore and develop to their fullest potential? What plans are in place to develop vocational programs that will meet territorial growth and development as well as some global needs?
What plans are in place to ensure that there is a safe environment in which our children can learn, our teachers can teach and support staff can provide service?
What are the immediate, short term and long range goals of the department? How will these goals be achieved?
What is the mission of the department of education?
How will the "vision of educational reform" be realized?
The selection of the team to lead the department of education should be based on the planned/envisioned economic growth for the territory; the mission; the vision; then the goals and plans for "educational reform" can be realized, "together we can!"
The aforementioned can be a guide for the selection of all appointees. Selecting people who have the integrity and managerial capabilities to lead, guide, direct the Virgin Islands and its people into healthy, sustainable, economic development and success is mandatory.
It is said that no one locally who was asked, accepted the offer to serve as the commissioner of education. Who did the governor ask? His selection for any commissioner is based on what? Is there a holistic approach or is this administration going to just fix a specific thing?
We must stop looking outside of our individual and collective selves for the answers. We must stop looking for the "messiah" to save us from ourselves. We must replace mistrust, dishonesty and greed with integrity and respect. We have the most capable and qualified people right here in and from the Virgin Islands, if given the support and opportunity will do what is right and necessary to begin the healing and rebuilding of the Virgin Islands.
The challenge is to participate in "improving literacy of our children in public schools" by adopting a classroom of students; working with them, their teachers and parents when and where ever possible, to obtain the necessary tools/equipment to improve the literacy of the students.
Improving the literacy of the children increases their potential of being a more positive contributor to society. Remember, "together we can." Together we must!
Stephanie Scott-Williams
St. Thomas
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
