de Jongh Attends Meetings in North Carolina; Will Discuss Release of Federal Stimulus Monies with U.S. Education Secretary

Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. departed the territory on Saturday afternoon for North Carolina where he will participate in an Education Symposium with some of the nation’s governors. While in North Carolina, de Jongh will meet with U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan to discuss the anticipated release of the rules and regulations which will govern the Virgin Islands use of State Stabilization Funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“I look forward to meeting with Secretary Duncan to discuss both the plan we submitted to the U.S. Department of Education and the methods by which the State Stabilization Funds will be released to the Virgin Islands. These funds, which are being made available through the federal stimulus bill and which we have requested are a means of bridging the revenue shortfall our government is experiencing as a result of the economic recession,” de Jongh said. Since ARRA became law, de Jongh has been in frequent contact with both Secretary Duncan and Interior Secretary Kenneth Salazar to discuss the release of the State Stabilization Funds. Additionally, discussions have been held with Vice-President Joe Biden and his key staff members. “I am fairly certain the guidance on the State Stabilization Funds for the territories will be released and that our discussions with the Obama Administration have been useful in their understanding our urgent need to access this source of funding.” 

While in North Carolina, de Jongh will join 21 of the nation’s governors at the Governor’s Education Symposium sponsored jointly by the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices and the James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Education Leadership and Policy. The two-day meeting will include sessions covering the topics: standards and assessments; teacher effectiveness and supporting low-performing schools. 

In his absence and in accordance with provisions of the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis will serve as Acting Governor. de Jongh will return to the territory on Tuesday. 

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