♫♫ >>> GOOD DAY, AND WELCOME TO THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS "MEET THE CANDIDATES" FORUM.

A PROGRAM PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH WTJX-TV FOR WELL OVER 35 YEARS.

IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THROUGH THESE PROGRAMS YOU, THE VOTING PUBLIC, WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE INVITE YOU TO LOOK AT ALL OUR PROGRAMS FOR THE 2024 ELECTION YEAR RIGHT HERE ON WTJX-TV WITH CANDIDATES SEEKING OFFICE AS A SENATOR IN THE 36th LEGISLATURE, OR AS DELEGATES FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

FOR THE FIRST TIME ALSO WE ARE INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARDS OF EDUCATION AND ELECTIONS.

ALTHOUGH ALL THE CANDIDATES FOR THESE POSITIONS WERE INVITED, NOT ALL RESPONDED OR ACCEPTED THE INVITATION.

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE HERE TODAY THREE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE POSITIONS ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, IN THE ST. CROIX DISTRICT.

THIS SHOW WILL BE 30 MINUTES LONG.

I AM DENISE SINGLETON, A MEMBER OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND I WILL SERVE AS THE MODERATOR FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

THE CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN INFORMED IN ADVANCE OF THE GUIDELINES FOR THE PROGRAM.

NO CANDIDATE HAS ACCESS TO THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE.

THE FIRST RESPONDER TO EACH QUESTION WILL BE ROTATED AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS.

TIMING OF A QUESTION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCE.

ANY COMMENT DIRECTED SPECIFICALLY AT A PARTICIPANT BY ANOTHER PARTICIPANT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A REBUTTAL OF 60 SECONDS.

A 50-SECOND FOLLOWUP MAY BE ALLOWED.

ALL ARE EXPECTED TO BE RESPECTFUL OF EVERYONE ELSE.

SO LET´S BEGIN.

I WILL ASK EACH CANDIDATE TO IDENTIFY WHO THEY ARE AND TO STATE THEIR NAME AND BALLOT NUMBER.

WE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH AS OUR DISCUSSION ENSUES.

LET´S START WITH THE FIRST CANDIDATE, TO MY LEFT.

>> I´M MARY HIGGINS MOOREHEAD, NUMBER THREE ON THE BALLOT.

>> NEXT.

>> GOOD DAY.

MY NAME IS TERRELL ALEXANDER, NUMBER ONE ON THE BALLOT.

>> NEXT.

>> EMMANUELA PEREZ KAPS, NUMBER TWO ON THE BALLOT.

>> THANK YOU.

NOW WE´RE GOING TO GET STARTED WITH YOU, I´M GOING TO ASK YOU THE FIRST QUESTION, AND YOU WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO RUN FOR A SEAT ON THIS BOARD?

WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS NECESSARY?

>> THANK YOU.

FIRST LET ME SAY THANK YOU TO THE WTJX AND LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

I´M MOTIVATED TO RUN FOR THE BOARD BECAUSE IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT BOARD.

MANY PEOPLE ARE NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE POWER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

IT SETS THE POLICIES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, AND IT ALSO HAS TO REALLY HAVE OVERSIGHT OVER THE INSTRUCTION, THE CURRICULUM, AND THE FACILITIES ALSO.

MY INTENTION FOR PERSONALLY BEING A PART OF THE BOARD IS BECAUSE I´VE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE THINGS THAT ARE NOT IN CODE, THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ADHERED TO, AND THEY ARE IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY IN ORDER FOR THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COUNTRY.

SPECIFICALLY, I WILL BASIS POINT OUT THAT THERE ARE SOME SUBJECT AREAS THAT ARE IMPORTANT.

>> OKAY.

MR. ALEXANDER.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO THANK WTJX AND THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR INVITING ME TO THIS FORUM.

MY INTEREST IN RUNNING FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS I´M A PUBLIC SCHOOL -- A PRODUCT OF PUBLIC SCHOOL, AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED FROM THE TIME I LEFT PUBLIC SCHOOL FROM 2008 AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE.

THE SAME COMPLAINTS FROM WHEN I STARTED SCHOOL BACK IN 1995 ARE STILL THE SAME COMPLAINTS THAT WE HAVE TODAY.

I DO THINK THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, ESPECIALLY AS WE HAVE THESE FEDERAL DOLLARS ROLLING INTO THE TERRITORY THAT WE CAN MAKE CHANGE TO IMPROVE OUR SCHOOL FUNCTION.

I THINK WE NEED AN EDUCATION REFORM TO IMPLEMENT THESE CHANGES.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT.

NEXT.

MISS PEREZ, YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

YOUR QUESTION IS WHY DO YOU SEEK ANOTHER TERM ON THE EDUCATION BOARD?

>> THANK YOU, MS. SINGLETON, AND THANK YOU WTJX FOR ALLOWING US THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK.

I SEEK A SECOND TERM ON THE 21st BOARD OF EDUCATION BECAUSE I UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE THE DIFFERENCE.

I UNDERSTAND THAT OUR VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE MADE UP OF NUMEROUS AND DIVERSE PEOPLE THAT SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO A FREE AND APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION THAT IS GOVERNED AND PROTECTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

I ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER THE REALITIES OF TODAY AND MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO THIS EDUCATION, THAT INDIVIDUAL CIVIL LIBERTIES ARE CONSIDERED AND, OF COURSE, THE VALUE I HAVE ON THE VOICE OF MY PEOPLE.

>> THANK YOU.

OKAY.

WE´LL MOVE ON.

THIS NEXT QUESTION WE´RE GOING TO START WITH MR. ALEXANDER, AND YOU WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS.

WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS BOARD?

50 SECONDS.

>> I UNDERSTAND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR VARIOUS ASPECTS OF EDUCATION, SETTING OF POLICIES, FINANCIAL AID, FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.

ALSO, GOING TO SCHOOLS AND FACILITIES TO ENSURE THEY ARE SAFE FOR THE SCHOOLS.

OVERSIGHT ON PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS.

>> THANK YOU.

MS. PEREZ, YOU HAVE 50 SECONDS.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS BOARD?

>> THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION IS CLEAR IN CHAPTER 17 OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CODE.

WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO ADVOCATE, WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO STRENGTHEN, AND WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENSURE THAT WE PRODUCE A LEVEL OF OVERSIGHT OVER THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE SERVICES THAT WE PRODUCE.

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE´RE ABOUT CERTIFICATION, ENSURING THAT POLICIES ARE UPDATED, AND ENSURING THAT PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO THE TYPE OF EDUCATION THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE.

>> OKAY.

MS. MOORHEAD, YOU HAVE 50 SECONDS.

THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS BOARD?

>> IN ADDITION TO THE ITEMS THAT WERE LISTED BY THE FORMER TWO CANDIDATES, THE ONE THING THAT I THINK IS AVOIDED OR IGNORED IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COURSES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE TAUGHT IN THE CURRICULUM.

WE´RE IN THE 21st CENTURY, AND IT´S BEEN DECADES SINCE THERE´S BEEN ANY ADJUSTMENTS OR REFORM TO THE CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

AND AS I POINTED OUT, THEIR COURSES THAT ARE LISTED IN TITLE 17 THAT HAVE NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED, THAT ARE IMPORTANCE AT THIS TIME.

>> THANK YOU.

OKAY.

MOVING ON.

WE WILL START WITH YOU, MS. PEREZ.

YOU WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR THIS NEXT QUESTION.

WHAT TALENTS OR SKILLS DID YOU BRING TO THE BOARD DURING YOUR TENURE, AND HOW WERE THOSE DEMONSTRATED IN WHAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED ON THE BOARD?

60 SECONDS.

>> CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION?

>> CERTAINLY.

WHAT TALENTS OR SKILLS DID YOU BRING TO THE BOARD DURING YOUR TENURE, AND HOW WERE THEY DEMONSTRATED IN WHAT YOU ACCOMPLISHED ON THE BOARD?

>> THE TALENTS AND SKILLS THAT I BRING TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THAT I´VE BROUGHT IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS IS TRULY AROUND COMMUNICATION AND CONNECTIONS, GOVERNING AND POLICY CREATIONS AND INFORMATION.

I WORKED TIRELESSLY TO HELP INFORM OUR REPORT OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS AND ENSURE THAT THE DOCUMENT IS UPDATED WITH CRITICAL INFORMATION SO THAT LEGISLATIVE BODIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES CAN MAKE CRUCIAL DECISIONS.

I MENTORED AND WORKED CLOSELY WITH MANY PTAs TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE EMPOWERED TO UTILIZE THE POLICIES TO DRIVE CONVERSATIONS IN THEIR SCHOOLS.

AND A MENTORED AND WORKED WITH MANY PARTICIPANTS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, WHETHER THEY´RE CHILDREN OR ADULTS.

MY GREATEST SKILL, AND GOVERNING AND POLICY IS MY POWER.

>> THANK YOU.

MS. MOORHEAD, YOU´LL HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION.

WHAT TALENTS OR SKILLS WILL YOU BRING TO THE BOARD, AND HOW HAVE THEY BEEN DEVELOPED OR DEMONSTRATED IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?

YOU WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> I HAVE -- I´M AN ORGANIZER, I DO RESEARCH, I AM VERY MUCH KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE TITLE 17.

AND AS I´VE POINTED OUT IN MY PREVIOUS TIME ON THE BOARD, I WAS VERY MUCH IN A POSITION TO MAKE THE MEMBERS AWARE OF THE -- 17 THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF.

I BELIEVE IN TRANSPARENCY AND SHARING INFORMATION, AND I BELIEVE IN MAKING THE PUBLIC KNOW AND THE PARENTS IN PARTICULAR AS TO WHAT INTERESTS THEY SHOULD HAVE AND HOW THEY SHOULD PERFORM THEMSELVES IN COMMUNICATING WITH THE BOARD THAT DOES NOT NECESSARILY HAPPEN ON A REGULAR BASIS.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. ALEXANDERE, WHAT TALENTS OR SKILLS WILL YOU BRING TO THE BOARD, AND HOW HAVE THEY BEEN DEVELOPED OR TEMPERATURE STRAIGHT IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE -- DEMONSTRATED IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> MY GREATEST TALENT I THINK I WILL BRING TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL BE BRINGING GROUPS OF INDIVIDUAL TOGETHER.

EDUCATION IS NOT ABOUT JUST ONLY THE STUDENTS.

EDUCATION ALSO AFFECTS TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS, PARENTS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, WORKING TOGETHER AS A COLLABORATIVE TEAM TO ENSURE THAT WE ACHIEVE THE GOAL WHICH IS EDUCATING OUR STUDENTS.

I´M A TEAM PLAYER.

I AM WILLING TO LEARN -- BRING EVERYBODY TO THE TABLE TO HAVE A DISCUSSION, SHARING INFORMATION IN A TIMELY FASHION.

THAT´S KEY.

NOT WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SHARE THE INFORMATION BECAUSE THAT GIVES YOU -- TELLS YOU WHAT THE ISSUE IS.

I´M A TEAM PLAYER AND BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER.

>> OKAY.

THANK YOU.

MISS MOORHEAD, WE´LL START WITH YOU ON THE NEXT QUESTION.

HOW IS THE LOCAL BOARD OF EDUCATION DIFFERENT FROM MAINLAND BOARDS?

YOU HAVE 50 SECONDS.

>> OKAY.

ON THE MAINLAND, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAVE TOTAL AUTHORITY AND GOVERNANCE OVER THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

THAT DOES NOT EXIST IN ST. CROIX, IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

THE BOARD REALLY -- THE SECOND YOU MIGHT SAY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH IT´S SUPPOSED TO HOLD THE DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTABLE AND MAKE SURE THAT IT PERFORMS ACCORDING TO CODE, THAT DOES NOT NECESSARILY HAPPEN BECAUSE THEY´RE SIMPLY IGNORED.

BUT THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THAT MAINLAND BOARDS HAVE TOTAL AUTHORITY, BUT THE VI BOARD DOES NOT.

>> THANK YOU.

MR. ALEXANDERE?

>> THE MAIN DIFFERENCE IS THE BOARD IN THE STATES ARE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS, AND THE BOARD HERE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS JUST TO SET POLICIES, FINANCIAL AID, THEY DO OVERSIGHT OF SCHOOLS, BUT EVEN WITH THE OVERSIGHT THE BOARD -- THERE IS -- NOTHING FOLLOWS UP IF NOTHING HAPPENS.

SO THE BOARD CAN DO A WALKTHROUGH, BUT IT´S NOT ON THE BOARD TO MAKE SURE THESE ARE CORRECTED.

THEY COME BACK AND DO A WALKTHROUGH AGAIN TO MAKE SURE WHATEVER CHANGES WAS REQUESTED WAS DONE.

THERE´S NOTHING IN THE LINE THAT MAKES THE BOARD RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.

>> OKAY.

MISS PEREZ, WE´RE GOING TO ASK YOU THE SAME QUESTION.

HOW IS THE LOCAL BOARD OF EDUCATION DIFFERENT FROM MAINLAND BOARDS?

YOU HAVE 50 SECONDS.

>> THE POINTS WERE MADE EARLIER BY THE CANDIDATE.

BUT WHAT´S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND AND WHAT I UNDERSTAND IS THAT WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO CHANGE THAT STRUCTURE.

AND THAT IS WHERE MY ADVOCACY WORK CAME IN WITH MY SUGGESTION IN THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT REPORT TO ENSURE THAT PEA PUT A LEVEL OF STRENGTHENING ON OUR SYSTEM AND A LEVEL OF -- PUTTING HIRING BACK WITH OUR SUPERINTENDENTS IN THE -- IN REGARDS TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, ENSURING THAT SCHOOL-BASED FUNDING IS IDENTIFIED IN TITLE 17 TO ENSURE THAT SCHOOL MANAGEMENT CONTINUES TO HAVE THE RESOURCES THEY NEED DIRECTLY FROM THE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THE WORK.

SO YES, THE BOARD IS DIFFERENT IN THE STATES THAN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

BUT WHAT´S IMPORTANT TO KNOW IS WE HAVE THE RIGHT AND THE FOUR MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE, AND WITH ME ON THE BOARD, I ABSOLUTELY INTEND TO ADVOCATE AND PUSH REALLY HARD FOR THAT CHANGE.

>> MISS MOORHEAD, WHAT POLICIES NEED TO BE IN PLACE REGARDING SEXUAL ABUSE OF STUDENTS?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> IT´S -- IT´S A MATTER OF -- TO BE PERFECTLY HONEST, WHEN IT COMES TO ABUSE OF CHILDREN, MY POSITION HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT EVERY SCHOOL, EVERY HIGH SCHOOL AT LEAST SHOULD HAVE A PSYCHOLOGIST ON SITE IN ORDER FOR CHILDREN TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO SOMEONE WHO THEY CAN MEET CONFIDENTIAL IN A REPORT OF AN ABUSE.

I´VE SEEN THAT WHERE SCHOOL COUNSELORS ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH THOSE SITUATIONS.

AND INSOFAR AS A POLICY, THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE SOMETHING TO DEAL WITH THE SOCIAL WORKERS AND THE PSYCHOLOGISTS IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND THE ITEM AND ISSUE IN ORDER TO HAVE A POLICY THAT WOULD BE IN EFFECT.

>> MR. ALEXANDERE, SAME QUESTION.

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> I HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OR ANYONE EVEN -- ESPECIALLY SPECIFIC TO OUR STUDENTS.

I KNOW BASED ON WHAT MY RESEARCH HAVE DONE, I THINK THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THEIR POLICY IS A STUDENT MUST REPORT IT DIRECTLY TO THE BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR OR TO A PRINCIPAL, ANYONE IN THAT SORT OF AUTHORITY.

ONCE THAT IS REPORTED, THAT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE -- AND FOLLOW WHATEVER THE LAWS ARE IN ENTITLED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CODE TO DEAL WITH THIS.

IT IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY AND SHOULD BE CREATING SAFE PLACES AT SCHOOLS TO ENSURE THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE LEARNING AND ARE FREE TO COME TO SCHOOL TO LEARN.

I HAVE A ZERO-TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE.

>> MISS PEREZ?

WHAT POLICIES ARE IN PLACE REGARDING STAFF ACCOUNTABILITY IN SEXUAL ABUSE OF STUDENTS?

YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS.

>> YES.

THANK YOU SO MUCH BECAUSE I AGREE 100% WITH MR. ALEXANDRIA SHOULD BE A SAFE ZONE.

I HAVE SPENT MY ENTIRE LIFE WORKING FOR CHILDREN AND SERVING FAMILIES IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MY PASSION IS.

SO FOR ME, RIGHT NOW THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS IN WHICH WE ENSURE THAT CERTAIN COURSES ARE TAKING FOR TEACHERS -- TAKEN FOR TEACHERS NEED TO ENTAIL THAT SOME OF THE COURSES AROUND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, INTERVENTION, AND PROVIDING THAT LEVEL OF EDUCATION SO THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT THE LAW IS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND THE LAWS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS IS TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF VIRGIN ISLANDS.

AND WE WILL ENSURE THAT OUR TEACHERS HAVE THAT LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE, EACH AND EVERY YEAR DURING THEIR CERTIFICATION.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO REBUT IN THAT THERE WAS A SITUATION IN ST. THOMAS DISTRICT WITH SEXUAL ABUSE.

THE BOARD DID NOT -- DID NOT DO AN INVESTIGATION INTO WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, THAT DID NOT FILE THE REPORT.

THAT MUCH WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AT THIS TIME.

AND THAT ISSUE IS STILL LINGERING THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR IT IN THE REPORT.

>> AND I´D LIKE TO ANSWER.

>> 60 SECONDS.

50 SECONDS.

>> MISS MOORHEAD´S EXPERIENCE KNOWS BETTER.

SHE UNDERSTANDS THAT THE LAW HAS PROCESSES AND STEPS, AND THEREFORE THAT INVESTIGATION IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE LAW.

AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS BEEN TALKING WITH -- I UNDERSTAND SHE DOESN´T HAVE PRIVY TO NOW, THEREFORE SHE MAY NOT KNOW, THAT ENSURES THAT WE ARE PUTTING THINGS IN PLACE TO BETTER STRUCTURE AND SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN DAY TO DAY.

>> OKAY.

MS. MOORHEAD, WE´RE GOING TO GIVE YOU THE NEXT QUESTION.

HOW CAN THE BOARD IMPROVE ITS REVIEW OF THE SCHOOL PREPAREDNESS DURING THE SUMMER THAT WOULD HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS TO STUDENTS AND STAFF?

>> WELL, THE BOARD CAN FIRST OF ALL -- IT HAS A REQUIREMENT THAT IT MUST PRODUCE A SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY MANAGEMENT REPORT THAT IS DUE EVERY JUNE 15th.

WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT AFTER THE BOARD REPORT IS SET OUT OR SUBMITTED, THERE´S NO FOLLOWUP.

THERE´S NO CONVERSATION WITH ANYONE, NO FOLLOWTHROUGH IN ORDER TO FIND OUT WHAT WOULD BE ADDRESSED, HOW IT WOULD BE ADDRESSED, WHEN IT WOULD BE ADDRESSED, AND THE BOARD DOES HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO THAT.

THE BOARD HAS SUBPOENA AUTHORITY THAT IT CAN CALL ON ANYONE FOR ANY DOCUMENT IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT WORK IS BEING DONE.

PRESENTLY, TOO, THE -- THE POLICY IS IN PLACE, THE BOARD IS SUPPOSED TO GET A REPORT FROM EVERY SCHOOL AT A CERTAIN TIME OF THE YEAR.

IT DOESN´T GET THAT, AND IT´S NOT ASKING FOR IT.

>> OKAY.

MR. ALEXANDERE, SAME QUESTION.

HOW CAN -- HOW CAN THE BOARD IMPROVE ITS SUMMER REVIEW OF SCHOOL PREPAREDNESS SO THAT IT WOULD HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS TO STUDENTS AND STAFF?

>> TO RESPOND TO YOUR QUESTION, IT SHOULD NOT BE A SUMMER REVIEW IT SHOULD BE A YEAR-AROUND REVIEW, CONTINUOUS -- CONTINUE THE DIALOGUE TO ENSURE THAT WHATEVER WAS DISCUSSED IN THE REPORT BY MISS MOORHEAD DISCUSSED THAT THE CORRECTIONS WERE MADE.

YOU CAN´T JUST WRITE A REPORT, YOU HAVE TO WRITE A REPORT -- WE HAVE TO HAVE SOME FOLLOWUP TO ENSURE STUDENTS ARE PROTECTED.

EVEN THOUGH YOU SUBMIT YOUR REPORT DURING THE SUMMER, THAT´S NOT THE ONLY -- LIKE A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE HOUSE, THE HOUSE IS THE CLEANEST WHEN YOU´RE VISITING THEM.

BUT AS SOON AS YOU LEAVE, THAT MAY NOT BE THE CASE.

THEY HAVE TO HAVE CONTINUOUS FOLLOWUP TO ENSURE OUR STUDENTS ARE PROTECTED.

>> OKAY.

MISS PEREZ, YOU WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS.

HOW CAN THE BOARD IMPROVE ITS REVIEW OF SUMMER PREPAREDNESS THAT WOULD HELP PREVENT DEADLY ACCIDENTS TO STUDENTS AND STAFF?

>> ONE OF THE BOARD´S RESPONSIBILITIES IN ADMINISTRATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, WE USE THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT TO DO THAT.

BEFORE I CAME ON, OUR SCHOOL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT WAS A SUBJECTIAN OF STORIES THAT WAS WRITTEN.

NOW IT INCLUDES INFORMATION FROM ALL OF OUR AUXILIARY AGENCIES.

WE WORK TIRELESSLY AND EFFORTFULLY TO ENSURE THAT THE VOICES ARE PUT INTO THESE SPACES SO THAT PEOPLE WHO CAN MAKE THE DECISIONS ARE CLEAR.

EVERYTHING FROM PHYSICAL TO CURRICULUM IS IN THIS DOCUMENT.

AND IT´S NOT JUST FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, BUT IT COMPRISES OF INFORMATION FROM OTHER AGENCIES THAT HAVE THE OVERSIGHT.

FIRE, DPNR, AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THIS PROCESS HAPPENS, AND WE CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THAT TOGETHER IN MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THE SCHOOL -- >> 50 SECONDS.

QUICKLY.

>> WAS SOMETHING THAT IS DICTATED IN TITLE 17.

WHAT THE CANDIDATE POINTS OUT IS THAT SIMPLY THE BOARD HAS BEEN YEAR BY YEAR IMPROVING IN MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE REPORT.

SO IT´S GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE IT´S GETTING ALL THE AGENCIES TO GIVE INPUT, AND NOW THAT HAS CHANGED BECAUSE THE LARGE CHANGE BECAUSE THAT HAS BEEN ELIMINATED, AND THE BOARD IS SIMPLY TO HAVE OVERSIGHT OF THE MAINTENANCE AND THE REPAIRS, BUT YOU HAVE THE NEW UNIT WHICH IS THE SCHOOL MAINTENANCE CONSTRUCTION BUREAU.

>> I WOULD ARGUE THE BOARD IS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER BECAUSE THERE´S NEW FACES AND NEW SPACES.

>> OKAY.

NOW EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR A CLOSING STATEMENT TO TELL VOTERS WHY THEY ARE A CHOICE CANDIDATE FOR THE EDUCATION BOARD.

AND WE´RE GOING TO START WITH MR. ALEXANDRIAE.

>> THANK YOU.

I´M ASKING FOR SUPPORT ON ELECTION DAY TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND NUMBER ONE ON YOUR BALLOT.

LET ME -- ALLOW ME TO ASSIST OUR STUDENTS TO IMPROVE THEIR EDUCATION PROCESS.

I AM A TEAM PLAYER.

I WILL WORK WITH EVERYONE OF THE AFD, THE SCHOOL -- THE TEACHERS, THE PTAs.

IT´S NOT JUST THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, IT´S A COMMUNITY -- IT´S A COMMUNITY -- WE´RE LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY RESULTS.

IF YOU ELECT ME, IT WILL ENSURE THAT WE MOVE THIS PROCESS FORWARD.

THANK YOU.

>> MISS PEREZ, YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS TO CLOSE.

>> THANK YOU.

IN 2020 I RAN FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BOARD OF EDUCATION WITH ONE MISSION -- I AM GOING TO SHOW UP AND LEARN.

I HAVE DONE SO.

A VOTE FOR NUMBER TWO ON NOVEMBER 5th WILL ENSURE THAT WE ARE STRENGTHENING DISTRICT OVERSIGHT.

IT WILL ENSURE THAT WE´RE ADVOCATING FOR SCHOOL-BASED FUNDING, AND IT WILL ENSURE THAT WE ARE STRENGTHENING THE TRANSPARENCY BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE BOARD TO BUILD A STRONGER SYSTEM.

WIN, LOSE, OR DRAW, IN ANY FIGHT AT THE END OF THE DAY, I´M GETTING BACK UP TO CONTINUE TO WORK.

I AM A VIRGIN ISLANDER AND ASK HUMBLY FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON NOVEMBER 5th.

NUMBER TWO YOUR BALLOT.

>> MS. MOORHEAD, YOU´RE CLOSING.

>> THANK YOU.

MY MISSION IF I GET A SEAT ON THE BOARD IS TO TAKE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE SEAT BOARD, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND UVI TO GET THEM TO WORK TOGETHER TO UPGRADE AND IMPROVE THE CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION OF THE VI PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION SYSTEM.

IT IS THE INSTRUCTION AND CURRICULUM IS WAY BEHIND.

WE ARE IN THE 21st CENTURY, WE´RE DEALING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE, WE´RE DEALING WITH GUN VIOLENCE, AND WE HAVE THINGS ON THE BOOKS THAT WILL ADDRESS THESE THINGS SUCH AS CONFLICT RESOLUTION, FINANCIAL EDUCATION, AND ALL THE DIFFERENT COURSES THAT ARE NOT BEING INSTITUTED, NOT BEING IMPLEMENTED, AND I SIMPLY WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES INCLUDING THE COMMUNITY WHICH THE BOARD REFUSES TO DO PRESENTLY AND LET US ALL IMPROVE OUR EDUCATION SO THAT WE CAN HAVE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE VI.

>> THANK YOU, CANDIDATES AND VIEWERS, AND THANK YOU WTJX-TV AND STAFF FOR TODAY´S PROGRAM.

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOPES THIS PROGRAM HAS HELPED WITH YOU, THE VOTER, IN KNOWING THE CANDIDATES FOR THE EDUCATION BOARD AND IN SO DOING INFORM YOUR VOTE FOR NOVEMBER.

THE LEAGUE REMINDS YOU THAT YOUR VOTE DETERMINES THE FUTURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

EVERY VOTE DOES COUNT.

DURING ELECTIONS WE OFTEN SEE AN INDIVIDUAL WHO BARELY MAKES THE CUT BECAUSE A FEW MORE PEOPLE DID VOTE OR ONE WHO BARELY LOSES AND WISHES IF ONLY A FEW MORE PERSONS HAD VOTED.

SO LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD BY YOUR VOTE.

IT´S YOUR RIGHT.

TAKE IT.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

I AM DENISE SINGLETON OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SAYING VOTE EARLY OR VOTE ON ELECTION DAY, JUST VOTE.

♫♫ ♫♫ >>> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WTJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF, OR UNDERWRITERS.

♫♫