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October 18, 2007
Governor: Senate vote stalls effort to reform V.I. Department of Education Gov. John deJongh, Jr. said today he was tremendously disappointed with the outcome of today’s vote. The Senate chose to vote not only against change and reform, but against the best interest of the children in our public schools. deJongh said he understands that Dr. Lynn Spaminato was not the only person who could be the Commissioner of Education, however, "She was my first choice from among those people who I had identified and who were willing to accept the challenges of the post given the limitations we impose on those who work in our government." deJongh said he had been charged to put a team in place to carry forward the mandate he won when he was elected. "Today’s vote is clearly a setback not only to my team but to all of those who voted for change, all of those who voted to create a better Virgin Islands for us all." deJongh said he has been encouraged by the strong feelings for change and the demand for educational reform that have been expressed by so many over these past several weeks. "I regret that today’s vote will inevitably delay our efforts to transform public education." "I thank Dr. Lynn Spampinato for her willingness to join me in this political battle, but she and I both know that any battle for our children is not only worthy but necessary." This has always been and will always be about the children of the V.I. |
