Oct. 24, 2006 John deJongh, Democratic candidate for Governor, expressed his sympathy and understanding for the frustration of the coaches and physical education teachers of Charlotte Amalie High School who conducted a recent work stoppage due to substandard and unsafe facilities. Some weeks ago, I toured CAHS, as well as Central High School, with staff members to assess the conditions of the schools. I was appalled at the condition of the gymnasium at CAHS. Such poor conditions affect both our students and our teachers. How can we ask our children to do their best and our teachers to give their best when facilities are substandard? deJongh asked. He added, If we are to demand excellence from our children in the classroom and on the playing field, then we must provide the very best atmosphere and facilities for them in which to learn and play.
DeJongh has released several education related proposals. He believes in the need to decentralize the power of the Department of Education and empower local principals, those closest to the learning, to allow for more specific budgeting and responsibility for their schools. When elected Governor, I will work with the principal of Charlotte Amalie High School to ensure that a new gym for the school is given the highest priority, and all school principals to meet their critical capital needs, he explained.
Over the last several months, I have spoken with and closely listened to teachers in our public schools about the problems they face on a day-to-day basis and their concerns about the state of education in the territory, deJongh said. Many of you have heard me speak of our future of opportunity. Our children are that future. We must invest in them and their schools to ensure they have the tools necessary to work the jobs of the future, jobs that will bolster our local economy and ensure a brighter future for us all.
DeJongh talked more of communicating at a local level with teachers, principals and administrators. He committed to ensuring that the Virgin Islands school system becomes a point of pride for the islands. We have to raise the level of commitment to our youth and our schools. If we work together as a community and devote the resources it takes to ensure the level of education our children deserve, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. Together We Can ensure our children succeed today! he said.

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