Dept. Of Education Announces Administrative Changes At Eudora Ken, Charlotte Amalie High Schools

ST. THOMAS — The Virgin Islands Department of Education, in an effort to boost school leadership, announced on Thursday changes to the administration at Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS) and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School (IEKHS) on St. Thomas.

Stefan Jurgen, current principal at CAHS high school, will take the helm as principal of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School at the start of the 2015-2016 school year.

St. Thomas-St. John District Superintendent Dionne Wells-Hedrington says the move is necessary in the wake of recent changes in leadership at Kean. Former Ivanna Eudora Kean principal Sharon Ann McCollum departed from the school in January 2015, after a 10-year-tenure, to assume her current role of Education Commissioner for the territory.

Sally Petty, the current acting principal of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, will be leaving the school to go on military leave. Petty is a member of the VI National Guard.

Wells-Hedrington said, “After careful analysis a decision was made to boost the Kean leadership team by adding Mr. Jurgen at the helm. He has proven he has the ability and experience to maintain a good structure and leadership, which is needed in the wake of recent vacancies.”

She added, “Our sole concern is not losing momentum at Kean and keeping the school moving forward–Mr. Jurgen can help do that.”

Commissioner McCollum, concurred the decision is best for the district. “Changes in administration are always difficult for the administrator, parents and students. We understand that. However, we have to look at the big picture and decide what is best for all schools and students. At the end of the day it is about ensuring all of our schools are successful with strong leaders in place so student learning continues.”

Jurgen’s replacement at CAHS will be Alcede Edwards. Edwards served as assistant principal at CAHS for 8 years, until transferring to Addelita Cancryn School for the 2014-2015 school year.

“He knows the school and he knows the staff. Who better than someone who can jump in there and hit the ground running?,” Wells-Hedrington said.

She added it is not uncommon for the district to change principals based on shifting needs. “Changes such as this are in no way punitive. Rather, it is about the best way to keep all of our schools moving forward.”

Feature Image: Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, St. Thomas USVI.