A.F.T. Strike In St. Thomas Forces Early Dismissal Of Public Schools

ST. THOMAS — An unexpected strike staged by members of the American Federation of Teachers union here, has forced the Department of Education to announce tiered early dismissal of public schools, a press release D.O.E. issued has made known.

The strike follows a stern rebuke from the territorial A.F.T. following a Consortium report that unearthed the Mapp administration’s intention to tie to promised pay raises the forfeiture of retroactive monies that the government owes employees. Mr. Mapp later told this publication that all employees were being asked to forego retroactive pay, but after coming under intense pressure, Natalie Tang How, the administration’s chief labor negotiator, tried to explain that the governor’s assessment was incorrect.

“While the government continues to ignore deplorable, unsafe school conditions, it is also showing deep disrespect for Virgin Islands teachers by reneging on an agreement it made with the St. Croix Federation of Teachers and the St. Thomas-St. John Federation of Teachers to provide teachers with retroactive pay increases,” said the A.F.T. presidents in a joint statement issued on April 7.

According to D.O.E., students will be fed lunch before dismissals and school buses will arrive to take students to their regular drop-off locations, except for the schools noted that will not have bus service. Parents may also pick up their children at the specified dismissal time. Additionally, parents are reminded to ensure students are properly supervised for the remainder of the day. The department said information regarding April 20 school schedule will be released later today.

STUDENT DISMISSAL

Cancryn………………..1:20                  

CAHS…………………1:20                  

BCB……………………1:00                  

Eudora Kean…………..1:15                  

Sprauve………………..1:00                  

EWAA…………………1:00 (dismissal, no bus service)                  

Abraham………………1:15                  

Muller…………………1:15                  

Dober………………….1:15                  

Tuitt……………………1:00 (dismissal, no bus service)                  

Sibilly…………………1:15                  

Lockhart……………….1:15                  

EBO……………………1:15                  

Gomez………………….1:15                  

Bowsky…………………1:15