Project Charter:

Virgin Islands Department of Education Workforce Revitalization Initiative

Project Mission

To build and sustain a skilled and stable public workforce that ensures high-quality education across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Problem Statement

Over the past decade, the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) has experienced a 15% decline in its workforce, causing staffing gaps, slower service delivery, and increased pressure on existing employees. This project aims to identify the causes of workforce shortages and implement sustainable solutions.

Project Goal

Reduce vacancy rates in VIDE by 10% by December 2026 through improved recruitment, streamlined hiring processes, and enhanced retention initiatives.

Project Focus

Rebuild and sustain a strong public workforce by improving how the GVI recruits, develops, and retains employees for VIDE.

Scope

In Scope

Retention initiatives: recognition programs, mentorship, career-path development, and incentives.

Employee engagement and morale programs: surveys, feedback loops, wellness initiatives, recognition programs.

Internal career growth: training, cross-department mobility, and promotional pathways.

Workforce analytics system for real-time tracking of staffing, turnover, recruitment, vacancies, overtime, and retention.

Out of Scope

Confidential HR files and sensitive personnel records.

Changes to employee salaries or benefits beyond approved incentives.

Operational changes not related to workforce revitalization (e.g., curriculum redesign, infrastructure upgrades).

Benefits

Financial Benefits

Reduced overtime and contract labor spending.

Improved budget efficiency.

Long-term cost avoidance due to stable staffing.

Operational Benefits

Improved instructional and administrative continuity.

Faster service delivery to schools.

Reduced employee burnout.

Strengthened workforce planning and succession efforts.

Key Metrics

Vacancy rate percentage.

Time-to-hire target: 70 days.

Annual retention rate: +10% improvement.

Completion counts for teacher and paraprofessional pipelines.

CPM Team Members

Aquilla E. Jackson

Bernesha B. Liburd

Cordelia R. Gilbert

Dawn Marie Petersen

Erika M. Winston

Eugene A. Farrell

James E. Henderson

Jeanelle M. Moolenaar

Jeanine M. Blyden

Jo Anne Z. Carr

Kimberly A. Petersen

K Risa Chesterfield

Melvin L. Gumbs

Metrona Bellot

Nicole Jacobs

Saitah N. Smith

Shara L. Smith

Sheeniqua L. Venzen

Sherilyn Hodge

Sheryl N. Manning

Tavis R. DeWindt

Stakeholders

VIDE leadership and HR management.

GVI Division of Personnel.

Union and employee group representatives.

Internal project team (project manager, supervisors, data and HR analysts).

Department of Finance Budget Office.

Department of Labor Workforce Development Division.

Office of Management & Budget (OMB).

Board of Education and UVI School of Education & Public Administration.

Legislative Oversight Committees.