According to school and law enforcement officials, the first day of split sessions for St. Croix’s two public high schools went “reasonably well” and “without incident” Tuesday at the St. Croix Educational Complex.
St. Croix Central High School students started classes in their new school after Complex students had left for the day. At 1:30 p.m., most of the 1,050 members of the Central High student body were seated in the auditorium, quietly listening to Principal Janasee Sinclair giving instructions.
According to Gary Molloy, superintendent of St. Croix schools, there has been no new information regarding the odor that sickened students and staff and brought on Central’s closure last week. Consequently, there is no way to determine when CHS students can return to their campus, he said.
“We’re hoping for the best but preparing for the long haul – the end of the year,” Molloy said. “Everybody understands the situation.”
The superintendent said the staff of both schools met over the weekend and talked about logistics, schedules and sharing equipment. It was a “good meeting” where Central staff were welcomed by Complex employees, Molloy said.
Rosa Soto-Thomas, president of the teachers’ union, disagreed on a few points and said Central teachers were not entirely satisfied. There were questions about using office equipment and getting keys to their classrooms, she said, adding they also were upset they had no help moving supplies to the new location.
“They had to transport all of the stuff from the school on their own,” Soto-Thomas said. “But I’m sure it will work out,” she added. “Everybody here is glad to be back in school.”
Molloy said the first day of split sessions went “reasonably well,” except some students who weren’t at the bus stops at the correct time. Other than that, there was “no need” for the Police Department, he said.
In addition to the usual monitors and security officers, VIPD personnel were stationed at transition areas and there were several patrol cars, with lights flashing, in front of the school.
Arthur Hector, VIPD deputy police chief, said the transition on Tuesday was “incident free with no issues.” Because of the history between the schools, however, VIPD will continue to monitor the situation indefinitely “to make sure there is no friction,” Hector said.
Until further notice, Complex students will attend classes from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., mostly in the northern wing of the complex, and CHS students will use the eastern classrooms. The library, auditorium and cafeteria are in the center.
Both high school administrations will use the Complex management offices but at different times, corresponding to the hours their respective schools are in session, Molloy said..
By next week, Molloy said the cafeteria would be able to serve lunch to all students. Currently there are “grab’n go” lunches being made available.
