>>> WELCOME TO ANOTHER EPISODE OF "RECOVERY IN FOCUS."

ONE OF THE MAJOR TOPICS SINCE THE STORMS OF 2017 HAS BEEN THE DIRECTION OF OUR TERRITORY TOOLS.

MANY RESIDENTS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN WITH THE TIME IT´S TAKEN TO SEE TANGIBLE PROGRESS AND NOW THAT THE FUNDS HAVE FINALLY BEEN SECURED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE VERY FIRST SCHOOL, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THESE PROJECTS?

WELL, TO RESPOND TO ALL OF YOUR CONCERNS, WE HAVE THE PLEASURE OF HAVING BEATING THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND ARCHITECT AND FOLKS RESPONSIBLE TO REBUILDING THE SCHOOLS RIGHT HERE TO GIVE US THE DETAILS.

BUT FIRST HERE´S THE MOST RECENT NEWS ON RECOVERY PROJECTS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

>> I´M MARREESAU ELLIS.

THE WATER AUTHORITY IS MOVING FULL SPEED AHEAD ON YET ANOTHER PROJECT ON ST. KROI.

>> HI, MY NAME IS DANIKA CHARLES.

DUE THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE TRANCHZ MISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, THE NEED FOR MITIGATION BECAME APPARENT AND THE AUTHORITY BEGAN WORKING WITH FEMA TO HARDEN THE GRID.

THIS SUBPROJECT WILL ADDRESS THE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE TRIPLE CIRCUIT WHICH INCLUDES THREE MAIN FEEDERS.

6 B, 7 B, AND 9 B.

AND THIS INCLUDES AN UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION LATERAL LINE WITH PAD-MOUNTED TRANSFORMERS AND OTHER UNDERGROUND DEVICES TO REPLACE THE OVER HEAD CONSTRUCTION LINES FEEDING THE MIDLINE AREA.

IT BEGINS IN THE SUBSTATION AND MOVES NORTH ALONG THE ROAD UP TO THE STOP LIGHT INTERSECTION.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES CIVIL AND ELECTRICAL WORK, WHICH WILL HELP MITIGATE AGAINST THE DAMAGES FROM PREVIOUS STORMS IN THE TERRITORY.

NOT ONLY WILL IT PROVIDE STRENGTHENING OF THE SYSTEM BUT MANY BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS IN THE AREA WILL DIRECTLY BENEFIT FROM THIS PROJECT.

I´M SURE MANY OF YOU REMEMBER WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WITH ALL THE DOWN POURS AFTER HURRICANE MARIA.

UNDERGROUND IN THIS AREA, IT WILL PROVIDE THE BENEFIT IN THE EVENT OF A STORM BECAUSE THERE WON´T BE ANY DOWN POURS ON THE ROAD, CAUSING DELAYS OF RESTORATION TO THE COMMUNITY.

THE FUNDING IS BASED ON A 90/10% SCALE AND THE REMAINING 10% WILL BE FUNDED BY HEARD.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS ABOUT 2.9 MILLION AND SLATED TO BE COMPLETED MAY 2022.

>> RESIDENTS WILL SOON SEE THE END OF A TWO-FACE PROJECT TO REPAIR HURRICANE DAMAGE IN THE FREDRICS HOUSING COMMUNITY.

GEORGE FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSESING AUTHORITY CALLED UP WITH THE CONTRACTORS AND RESIDENTS ON SITE TO DISCUSS PROGRESS AND WHAT´S COMING UP NEXT.

>> CAN YOU GIVE US A QUICK SYNOPSIS OF THE WORK YOU´VE COMPLETED HERE?

>> A QUICK WORK SCOPE.

WHERE WE COMPLETED A QUICK ASSESSMENT ON THE ROOF.

WE DID A BRIEF DEMO ON THE EFFECTED AREAS.

WE´RE HAVING ICE WATER AND WE UPGRADED THE GOVERNMENT.

>> PHASE ONE COMPLETED REPAIRS TO EIGHT BUILDINGS.

MARLY ADDITIONS RESIDENTS AND SHARES HER THOUGHTS.

>> HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION THAT WENT DOWN?

>> THE CONSTRUCTION WAS WONDERFUL.

THE GUYS WORKED VERY HARD.

AND I DON´T KNOW BUT THEY REALLY MAKE THE PLACE LOOK LIKE A PLACE WHERE SOMEBODY COULD MOVE IN IF YOU´RE IN A BAD CONDITION AT MOMENT WHEN THERE WAS DEBT.

AND THEY APPRECIATE THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE FOR US AND WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF DIFFERENT TENANTS MOVE TO DIFFERENT APARTMENT, WHICH IS VERY GOOD FOR MARLY.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THERE YOU HAVE IT.

ANOTHER SATISFIED RESIDENT.

BACK TO YOU.

>> PHASE TWO WILL BEGIN BY MARCH 2022 AND SHOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY SIX WEEKS TO COMPLETE.

AND MORE GOOD NEWS WE SPEAK TO KEVIN OF POLARIS CONSTRUCTION TO GET AN UPDATE ON THE WORK AT THE POOL.

>> WE´RE FINISHING UP THE DEMOLITION PHASE, WORKING ON GETTING RID OF THE LAST OF THE OLD PICNIC TABLES AND BENCHES, READY TO PUT IN BRAND NEW PICNIC TABLES AND BENCHES TO USE IN THE FUTURE.

WE´RE BEGINNING REPAIRS TO THE STRUCTURES AND GETTING READY TO OPEN THE POOL, HOPEFULLY, VERY SOON.

>> IT´S ABOUT 20% COMPLETE AND CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO BE DONE IN THE SUMMER OF 2022.

COMMISSIONER ORIOLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND SEAN KRIGER, DIRECTOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS STATE PRESERVATION OFFICE WELCOME GUESTS FROM PUERTO RICO STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE DECEMBER 8th.

ANTHONY THOMAS ALSO MET WITH THE PUERTO RICO TEAM TO REVIEW THE FIRST ROUND OF PROJECTS THAT APPLY TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS TO RESTORE DAMAGES CAUSED BY HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA IN 2017.

APPLICANTS CAN EXPECT NOTIFICATIONS ON THE APPROVE, STAT OFFICER THEIR SUBMITTALS BY APRIL 2022.

GOVERNOR BRYANT´S RECENT TRIP TO D.C.

THIS PAST JANUARY INCLUDED MEETINGS WITH THE DIRECTORS OF HEARD AND FEMA TO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS OF RECOVERY PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY.

HE THANKS THEM FOR THE AGENCY´S CONTINUED SUPPORT BUT QUESTIONED THE PACE OF THE QUICK COST OFFER, WHICH EFFECT CRITICAL PROJECTS FOR SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS.

HE REINFORCED THE PUSH ARE THE WAVER OF THE 10% COST SHARE AMOUNTING TO OVER 500 MILLION IN HEARD, MATCH FUNDS THAT COULD BE USED FOR OTHER HOUSING AND CAPITAL PROJECTS.

BEFORE GOVERNOR BRIAN LEFT THE CAPITOL, HE TOOK TO TIME TO UPDATE THE TERRITORY.

>> WE ALSO HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET WITH SECRETARY FUDGE AND DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY, OUR VERY OWN TODMAN.

ADRIAN TODMAN IS A CHAMPION FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

WE TALKED ABOUT HOW CAN WE GET THE MONEY OUT FASTER, CUT THROUGH PAPERWORK AND HOW WE CAN USE NONPROFITS AND START GETTING THE MONEY OUT MUCH QUICKER AND GETTING THE HELP WE NEED.

>> BUSINESS OWNERS, CONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS INTERESTED IN DOING BUSINESS SHOULD VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR A FREQUENTLY UPDATED LIST OF OPEN BID ANNOUNCEMENT AND DETAILED INFORMATION.

THIS MONTH THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES IS SOLICITING PROPOSALS TO COMPLETE HURRICANE REPAIRS TO THE CHARLES TURNBLE LIBRARY ON SAINT THOMAS.

FOR OTHER INFORMATION ON THESE AS WELL AS UPTO DATE NEWS ON ALL DISASTER RECOVERY PROJECTS, LOG ON TO WWW.ODR -- >> THANKS FOR THE UPDATE.

BUT BEFORE WE START, DRUM ROLL, PLEASE.

I´D LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO WELCOME IN THE LATEST MEMBER OF THE LEADERSHIP TEAM.

CHIEF DISASTRY RECOVERY OFFICER AND WELCOME HER AS SHE MAKES HER RECOVERY AND FOCUS DEBUT.

IT IS MY ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO PRESENT THIS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DR. DEAN WELLS HEDRINGTON AND HER TRUSTY SIDEKICK.

WHERE YOU SEE ONE, YOU´RE GOING TO SEE THE OTHER.

THE ARCHITECT, MISS CHANILE CALDWELL.

WE´RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT SCHOOLS, EVERYTHING.

WELCOME.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US.

WE REALLY ARE EXCITED TO UPDATE THE PUBLIC ON THE STATUS OF OUR SCHOOLS.

>> OKAY.

WONDERFUL.

WELL, THERE´S A LOT TO UNPACK REGARDING THE DEPARTMENT´S PROGRESS ON REBUILDING OUR SCHOOLS.

BUT OF COURSE FIRST WE´RE GOING TO HEAR WHAT´S GOING ON AT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY.

YOU´VE BEEN TO D.C. AND WE´RE TALKING ABOUT WHAT´S COMING UP NEXT AND HOW -- WHAT WE´LL DISCUSS THERE AND HOW DOES IT TRANSLATE ON THE GROUND AND MAKING IT IN THE PROJECT AND EVERYTHING MOVING FORWARD.

WELCOME.

>> THANK YOU.

I´M SO THRILLED TO BE HERE.

BEFORE I RUN INTO THAT, IS IT OKAY IF I SAY THANK YOU TO FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GRIFFITH FOR THE WORK HE HAS DONE.

I MEAN, HE HAS DONE A MONUMENTAL TASK, OFTEN NOT APPRECIATED BUT IT IS HARD WORK.

I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AND HE WILL BE MISSED.

>> HE WILL BE MISSED, NOT ONLY AS MY TRUSTY SIDEKICK AND KUDOS TO HIM FOR THE CONCEPT OF SHARING WHAT´S GOING ON WITH THE RECOVERY AND THE WORK THAT HE´S DONE SO FAR.

SO, HE WILL BE MISSED.

>> INDEED.

WE DIDN´T LIKE SUBTRACTION.

>> YOU´RE GOING TO FIND YOUR WAY BOOK ON THE PROGRAM IN SOME FORM.

>> LIKE THE GOVERNOR SAID, WE EWENT TO D.C.

IT WAS NICE MEET WITH SECRETARY FUDGE AND DEPUTY SECRETARY TODMAN.

WE WERE VERY FRANK, CANDID CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE CHALLENGES WE ARE FACING AS A TERRITORY.

YOU KNOW, SUPPLY CAPACITY, BUT WE ALSO RECOGNIZE -- THEY TOO RECOGNIZE WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO AND IT´S A MATTER OF JUST GOING BACK, LOOKING AT THE PROCESSES.

POLICIES.

PROCEDURES.

HOW DO WE GET DONE MORE EFFICIENTLY IN THE TERRITORY?

DO WANT TO SEE VERY QUICKLY.

DRUM ROLL.

WE DID OUR KICK OFF MEETINGS WITH OUR CONTRACTOR PERSON WHO WE HAVE ENGAGED TO GET THE 200 HOMES GOING.

SO, WE ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT AND WANT TO COME BACK ON THE SHOW, I HOPE TO HAVE GREAT NEWS ABOUT THE PROGRESS THERE.

SO, REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

I KNOW YOU´RE WORKING ON GETTING AT LEAST THE FIRST 50 HOMES OUT AND INCREMENTAL STAGES IN THE SUBSEQUENT MONTHS?

>> 25 PER MONTH AND IF WE CAN DO MORE, WE WILL.

EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

>> AWESOME.

IA KNOW, I ALWAYS ASK HOW MANY HAMMERS WE HAVE SWINGING.

BUT WE´RE GOING TO GIVE YOU A MONTH OFF FROM THAT.

AND MAKE SURE THAT AS YOU MOVE TOWARDS HURRICANE SEASON, THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING THE HOMES STARTED AND I KNOW IT´S A BURDEN ON YOU AS WELL.

>> IT IS.

AND I APPRECIATE THE MONTH OFF.

GIVE US TIME REGROUP AND GET US GOING AND GIVE BACK GOOD NEWS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORY.

>> THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING.

WE WENT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROGRESS MADE AND CAUGHT UP WITH THE CONTRACTORS THAT ARE WORKING ON SOME OF THE HOMES ALREADY BECAUSE YOU´RE NOT JUST GETTING STARTED.

YOU HAVE HOMES ALREADY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND THE CONTRACTOR ON SITE SHARED A LITTLE BIT OF THE PROGRESS WITH US.

>> DO NOT DEMOLISH.

RIGHT NOW A DEMOLITION RIGHT NOW AND GOING TO TAKE ABOUT THREE DAYS.

AFTER THAT, SENT A BLACK FORM.

AND THE RECONSTRUCTION WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS.

SO, GOING TO HAVE A BRAND NEW HOUSE WHEN WE´RE DONE.

THESE HOMES ARE BEING REBUILT.

CAME DOWN TO HOW IT WAS DONE TO THEM.

SAID OKAY.

IT´S A TIMELY PROCESS AND JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, I THINK THAT´S SO IMPORTANT.

WHAT WE´RE SEEING HERE IS THAT THIS APPLICANT, THIS FAMILY IS GOING TO GET A BRAND NEW HOME.

THEY HAVE A PLYWOOD HOME THAT IS GOING TO BE REPLACED WITH A CONCRETE HOME FOR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

NO COST TO THE FAMILY.

>> NO COST TO THEM.

>> SWITCH GEARS AND TURN THE SPOTLIGHT OVER TO OUR GUESTS OF THE HOUR.

WELL, WE KNOW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DR. HEDRINGTON,S A WELL AS HOWARD, TELL ME HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU GOT THE VERY FIRST OBLIGATION FOR FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS.

BEFORE WE SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, EVERYONE SAYS IT´S MONEY.

IT´S ALWAYS BEEN MONEY THERE AND THE MONEY IS NOT BEING SPENT.

AND WE JUST LEARNED THAT THE VERY FIRST SCHOOL HAS BEEN FUNDED.

TELL ME ABOUT HOW THAT FRELT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

>> IT WAS THE BEST FEELING EVER BECAUSE WE´VE BEEN ON THIS JOURNFRY QUITE SOME TIME, AS YOU KNOW, DIRECTOR.

AND WE´VE HAD OUR BATTLE WITH FEMA.

BUT BEING ABLE TO COME TO THE COMMUNITY AND SAY, LISTEN, THIS IS NOT JUST SOMETHING ON PAPER, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT´S GOING TO AND THE ART FACILITY HAS WARMED MY HEART.

I´VE BEEN IN EDUCATION 29 YEARS AND IT´S TIME FOR US TO DO IT AND IT´S FINALLY HERE.

I KNOW I SPEAK FOR MY DYNAMIC PARTNER OVER THERE.

WE ARE ELATED TO BE LEADING THE CHARGE AS WE TRANSFORM THE WAY THAT OUR FACILITIES LOOK IN THE TERRITORY THE OTHER WAY.

DEFINITELY KNOWN FOR THE PASSION.

AND ONCE WE´RE TALKING ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR US TO BUILD.

AND A LOT OF WHAT WE´VE SEEN IN THE EARLY PORTION OF THE NEGOTIATING BACK AND FORTH WITH FEMA WAS REALLY UNDERSTANDING THE BIPARTISAN.

AND FOR THE VERY FIRST SCHOOL FOR THE OTHER SCHOOL WILL FOLLOW BUT YOU DID NOT WAIT FOR FEMA.

AND CLOSE TO AND THAT IF INTERLOW OF EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER LAWS.

PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING.

PEOPLE WITH KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION AND WE´VE PUT TOGETHER OUR GUIDING PRINCIPALS AND WE HOLISTICALLY LOOKED AT OUR BLUEPRINT TO FIGURE OUT HOW CAN WE CONSOLIDATE, MAKE THIS ONE MANAGEABLE AND MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR CHILDREN?

WE´RE HAPPY WITH THE BIBLE AS WE TRANSFORM OUR FACILITIES AND WE USE THAT TO GUIDE OUR DECISION MAKING.

BECAUSE IT´S -- HAS ALL THE DATA AND EVERYTHING THAT WE NEED IN ORDER TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.

>> I´M GOING TO ASK THE QUESTION THAT THE PUBLIC IS ALWAYS ASKING.

WHY ARE -- DID YOU MOVE AFTER RICHARD AND EVELYN WILLIAMS.

AND WE´LL PUT IT OUT THERE.

>> SO, THAT WASN´T A DECISION MADE IN ISOLATION.

I NEED TO BRING THAT TO THE PUBLIC´S ATTENTION.

WE DID HOLD SOME COMMUNITY MEETINGS.

IT WAS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ST. CROIX ADVISORY COUNSEL THAT WE LOOK AT AN ALTERNATE SITE.

CHANELLE CAN GIVE MORE INFORMATION ON THE CHALLENGES THAT WE WOULD HAVE.

THAT RECOMMENDATION CAME FROM THE COMMITTEE.

WE LOOKED AT THE SITE.

WE DID SOME SCHEMATICS AND BEFORE THAT, WE BUILT A SITE.

IT´S REALLY GOING TO IMPROVE WHAT WE OFFER TO OUR STUDENTS.

AND I NEED TO PUT IT TO THE DIRECTOR.

YOU WILL HAVE YOUR POOL.

>> WOW.

>> OUR FIRST POOL WITH A POOL.

WE ARE TERRITORIES SURROUNDED BY WALTER.

OUR CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM.

THAT´S SOME OF THE MANY THINGS THAT ARE GO BEING PUT INTO THE SITE NOW THAT WE HAVE THE CAPACITY AND SPACE.

SHE CAN TALK ABOUT THE EXISTING SITE AND THINGS THAT WENT INTO THE DECISION MAKING.

>> ROY CAME UP WITH THE RECOMMENDATION.

WE EDID SOME STUDIES.

WE LOOKED AT THE EXISTING SITE.

WE LOOKED AT ALEXANDER HENDERSON´S SITE AND THE EVELYN WILLIAMS SITE.

EVELYN WILLIAMS IS THE LARGEST OF THE TLEER.

IT ALREADY HAS INFRASTRUCTURE WE CAN CONTINUE TO USE.

AND IT ALSO HAS SPACE FOR SWIMMING POOL AND TO SPREAD THE SCHOOL OUT.

SO, THEY´RE GOING TO HAVE A STATE OF THE ART SCHOOL WITH STATE OF THE ART ATHLETICS SYSTEMS AND A SWIMMING POOL.

YOU THINK IT´S A WIN-WIN DECISION.

WE DID WITH THE COMMUNITY IN THE AREA TO HEAR THEM TELL US ABOUT ANY ISSUES THEY HAVE HAD WITH THE SITE IN THE PAST.

AND THAT INFORMATION BEEN INFORMED.

IT´S SAFE TO SAY THE EXISTING OPERATOR ON THE GROUND COULD NOT HOUSE THE NEW -- EVERYTHING THAT IS PLANNED FOR THE NEW SCHOOL.

>> IT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY CONGESTED AND KEEP IN MIND WE HAVE TO KEEP A MODULAR CAMPUS OPERATIONAL.

SO, WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO BE CONSTRUCTING A NEW SCHOOL WITH ALL THE NOISE AND CONGESTION WHILE WE THAD MODULAR CAMPUS OPERATING AT THAT SITE.

>> YOU HEARD IT HERE.

WE´RE GOING TO GET READY AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET TO THE SWIMMING CLASS.

FINALLY GETTING TO THIS POINT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY TEDIOUS.

THERE´S A SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

AT THE EVELYN WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DOING A DEMOLITION.

TELL US MOIR WHAT´S GOING ON.

>> WE ARE IN THE BEGINNING STAGES OF THE REMEDIATION EFFORT THAT HAS TO OCCUR BEFORE THE BUILDING COULD BE DEMOLISHED.

BEHIND ME YOU CAN SEE THE CONTAINMENTS ARE SET UP TO CONTAIN THE ASBESTS WORK AS OUR CREW WORKS IN THERE.

THE CREW IS DOUBLE CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THEY´RE AIR TIGHT AND SECURE AND MAKING SURE THE AIR CIRCULATION MACHINES ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE PROTECT EVERYBODY AS BEST WE CAN.

ONCE THE ASBESTOS IS REMOVED, IT HAS DO TOO BE INSPECTED TO BE SURE IT´S ASBESTOS FREE BEFORE WE CAN BEGIN DEMOLITION.

OF COURSE, OUR COMMUNITY WILL BE OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE AS WE WANT TO INSURE WE´RE NOT DISRESPECTING THEM.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR DUST CONTROL IS NOT EFFECTING.

SO, WE´RE GOING TO BE MONITORING THE SITUATION AS BEST WE CAN.

THAT PROJECT SHOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 90 DAYS TO COMPLETE.

AND WE SHOULD BE WRAPPING UP THE ENTIRE PROJECT BY THE END OF SUMMER, WE´RE ESTIMATING.

PROBABLY AROUND JULY TO HAVE EVERYTHING DONE AND READY TO BEGIN THE NEXT PROJECT.

>> ALL RIGHT.

WELL, THAT TIMING, YOU KNOW.

TIKTOK.

>> YOU KNOW, THIS -- THE LOCATION AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU´VE OUTLINED IS EXCITING.

I KNOW WE´RE LOOKING FORWARD TO US MOVING FORWARD.

WHAT GOES INTO THAT PROCESS?

>> THE CONTRACTOR APPLIES FOR THE DEMOLITION PERMIT.

THEY HAVE TO WORK WITH DPNR AND QUANTIFY ALL THE MATERIALS THEY´RE GOING TO RENEW.

IDENTIFY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS THROUGH TESTING AND THEY DEVELOP A PLAN TO ABATE ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND THAT HAS TO TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE DEMOLITION CAN TAKE PLACE AND THEY HAVE TO WORK WITH THE WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN ACCEPT THE WASTE.

IF THEY CAN´T, THEY HAVE TO SHIP THE WASTE OFF ISLAND.

>> ALL RIGHT.

>> AND NOT THE ONLY SCHOOLS SLATED FOR RECONSTRUCTION.

I THINK DR. HEDRINGTON, I´M AN ADOPTED ONE.

>> AFTER MY FIRST VISIT WHEN I TOOK THE POSITION IN 2019 AND I WORKED THE CENTRAL HIGH CAMPUS, MY HEART SUNK.

BECAUSE THAT SCHOOL NEEDS TO BE REBUILT AND I REMEMBER SITTING SAYING, LISTEN, I DON´T CARE IF FEMA FELL, IT DOESN´T QUALIFY TO BE REBUILT.

WE´RE GOING TO FIND A WAY TO GET IT REBUILT.

AND WE´RE COMMITTING TO THAT TODAY.

THAT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE REBUILT.

AND IF HURRICANE MARIA HAD BEEN HERE A LITTLE BIT LONGER, WE ANTICIPATE WE WOULD HAVE SEEN SOME OF THE SAME DAMAGES THAT SUSTAINED AND THE SCHOOLS ARE BUILT AROUND THE SAME TIME.

SO, WE ARE ARE AGGRESSIVELY AND WHEN I SAY AGGRESSIVELY, WORKING TO GET THE FUNDING TO REBUILD CENTRAL HIGH.

>> THE DEPARTMENT -- DON´T MESS WITH THESE LADIES.

YOU KNOW WE HAD TO GO OUT AND GET THE COMMUNITY´S OPINION ON SOME OF THE SCHOOL PROJECTS AND WE SPEAK TO A YOUNG MAN, I THINK.

ON THIS VERY SAME SUBJECT.

>> I THINK THAT WINTER GOING TO SCHOOL AND EVELYN WILLIAMS ON PARADISE AREA NEED TO BE REPAIRED AND ELEMENTARY IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND TO WATER ELEMENTARY.

THERE´S A SCHOOL CLOSER.

>> OKAY.

>> THEY WANT SOMETHING.

>> HOW MANY YEARS AGO JANE -- BUT-KEY POINT, OF COURSE, IS ALL THE SCHOOLS NEED WORK AND I KNOW THAT YOU KNOW THIS.

AND OUR ARCHITECT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, HE´S BEEN QUESTIONING MODERNIZATION OF THIS SCHOOL BECAUSE ALL OF THEM WON´T BE REBUILT BUT THEY´RE ALL REMODERNIZED.

THEY´LL ALL BE MODERNIZED.

WE´RE SHRINKING OUR FOOTPRINT.

SO, A FEW SCHOOLS WILL BE SHUTTERED AFTER IT´S BEEN BUILT.

WHEN THE PLAN IS COMPLETE, EVERY SCHOOL WILL ATTEND IN EELG EITHER A NEW FACILITY OR MODERNIZED FACILITY.

THEY´LL ALL HAVE THE FLEXIBLE CLASSROOMS, LOTS OF DAY LIGHT AND THE THINGS THEY NEED TO SUPPORT THEIR LEARNING.

REGARDLESS WHERE THEY GO TO SCHOOL.

>> LET´S CALL A COUPLE OF GROUPS.

YOUR PLANS FOR ALFREDO, MARCO AND MY DAUGHTER IS A BARRACUDA.

SHE´S GOING TO WANT TO KNOW WHAT´S GOING ON WITH HER SCHOOL AS WELL.

>> ALL OF THOSE SCHOOLS WILL BE MODERNIZED.

ALFREDO ANDREWS WILL BE COMPLETELY MODERNIZED AND EXPANDED.

SO, THEY´RE GOING TO THE PRE-K TO 8 MODELS.

THAT MEANS SOME ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS WILL BE EXPANDED TO ADD THE EXTRA SPACE.

>> WHICH ONES ARE COMING OFF LINE?

>> WE HAVE RIVERA COMING OFF LINE AND RICARDO RICHARDS.

COMING OFF LINE.

>> I KNOW UNIRIVERA STUDENTS WILL GO TO -- >> THEY´LL PRIMARILY GO TOAND RUS AFTER IT HAS BEEN MODERNIZED AND EXPANDED.

>> OKAY.

AND THE TIMEFRAME FOR THIS?

IT SOUNDS SIMPLE.

BUT WE´RE LOOKING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN OVER WHAT TIME FRAME?

>> A PERIOD OF SIX TO TEN YEARS.

IF IT WAS ME, IT WOULD BE FIVE YEARS.

EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT.

WE FEEL WE CAN GET IT DONE WITHIN SIX TO TEN YEARS DEPENDING ON OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH FEMA.

AND NOW THAT THEY´VE GOTTEN PAST THE HURDLE AND GIVEN US OUR FIRST OFFER AND FIGURE OUT HOW WE´RE GOING TO IMPLEMENT TOGETHER THE INDUSTRY STANDARD, THEY THINK THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR SUBSEQUENT ONES WILL FOLLOW THAT MODEL.

WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET IT OUT.

ABOUT TWO TO THREE YEARS.

IT COULD TAKE LONGER BUT WE HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO ACCELERATE THE DESIGN.

SO THAT WE COULD SHORTEN THE TIME.

>> OKAY.

ALL RIGHT.

WELL, I KNOW MY COHOST HERE NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT´S HAPPENING.

>> YOU KNOW WE HAD THE STREETS ASK THE COMMUNITY WHAT THEY WANT.

>> SCHOOLS NEED TO BE DEMOLISHED AND REBUILT.

BENJAMIN SCHOOL -- >> THEY SHOULD BREAK IT DOWN AND BUILD IT BACK UP AGAIN.

>> MY ALMA MATER IS BEING DEMOLOGISTED.

THEY SATS GOING TO BE DEMOLISHED BUT WHEN IS THAT GOING TO HAPPEN?

>> CAN´T WAIT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT IT.

>> LET´S HEAR ABOUT CHARLOTTE MOLLY.

>> WE´RE HAPPY TO REPORT THE CONTRACT IS BEING EXECUTED FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE CHARLOTTE OMALJA HIGH SCHOOL AND WE´RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AT CHARLOTTE IS REALLY GOING TO BE A PHENOMENAL CHANGE IN THE FOOTPRINT OF THAT SCHOOL.

SO EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

AND WE JUMP STARTED A LOT OF THE PROJECTS WITH THE DESIGN.

SO WE HAVE A PARTICULAR SCHEMATIC.

AND WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, WE SHOULD START TO SEE SOME MOVEMENT.

AGAIN, THEY HAVE TO BE ABATEMENT.

THAT SITE HAS TO BE CLEARED BEFORE IT IS DEMOLISHED.

BUT CHARLOTTE OMALJA HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE DEMOLISHED VERY, VERY SOON.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE OTHER SCHOOLS, LIKE YOURS, GOMEZ UNFORTUNATELY WILL BE COMING OFF LINE.

OBO WILL BE MODERNIZED AND EXPANDED.

WE LOOKED AT BOTH AND WE CHOSE EBO BECAUSE IT WOULD COST US LESS AND WE WANT TO USE THE JOSEPH GOMEZ SITE FOR A HEADQUARTERS TO PUT STATE OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND EVERYTHING TOGETHER AS A ONE-STOP SHOP IN ST. THOMAS.

>> YOU KNOW, WE´RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT GETTING THE PROJECT MOVING.

IT´S THE DOCUMENTS AND PRELIMINARY DESIGNS HAVE BEEN DONE AND IT´S ACTUALLY REALLY, REALLY EXCITING TO SEE.

AND MODERNIZING OUR SCHOOLS IS A KEY COMPONENT OF THE MASTER PLANNING.

THE COMMITTEE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT AND TO SEE WHAT SCHOOLS THEY FELT NEEDED A FACE LIFT.

>> I BELIEVE IN MY HEART OF HEARTS RIGHT NOW IT´S A SCHOOL WITH NO SCHOOL AND I BELIEVE CANKRA NEEDS TO BE REBUILT OR FOUND A HOME FOR CANKRINE.

WE HAD GREAT TENURE.

THERE´S BEEN INSTRUMENTAL TEACHERS TO OUR COMMUNITY AND I BELIEVE THAT CANCRINE NEEDS TO BE REBUILT ASAP.

WE´RE DOING A DISSERVICE TO OUR STUDENTS.

WE SAY SENATORS AND WHEN WE TRY TO GET INTO OFFICE, OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE.

WELL, LET´S PROVE IT.

THANK YOU.

>> I BELIEVE THAT CHARLOTTE OMALJA HIGH SCHOOL AND CONCRINE NEED TO BE REBUILT BECAUSE DEFINITELY CONCRINE IS A PRIORITY AND DIFFERENT KIDS IN DIFFERENT AGES NEED THEIR OWN SCHOOL.

>> REBUILD, RENOVATE AND MOVE.

AND ALSO WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING WITH LINCOLN SCHOOL.

WE CAN´T HAVE IT SITTING THERE GOING TO WASTE.

>> MY FIRST SCHOOL JAVR PPS THE SCHOOL NEEDS TO BE RENOVATED.

THAT´S A VERY STRONG BUILDING AND THEY´RE LEAVING IT TO DETERIORATE.

MY SECOND SCHOOL IS CORWITHIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

JUST THE ROOF WAS DESTROYED AND IT NEEDS BE REPAIRED AND DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO TO HAVE ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE TERRITORY.

>> SO, THEY HAVE A LOT OF SCHOOLS THERE.

SO, LET´S START OFF WITH CONCRINE.

>> THEY HAVE MERGED WITH LOCKHART.

AND THE PLAN IS TO USE IT TO HAVE A BUILDING ADDITION SO WE DON´T HAVE MARGINALESTS THERE AND THAT WILL ENLARGE THE SCHOOL, MAKE IT LARGE ENOUGH AND MODERN ENOUGH TO SERVE AS A PRE-K TO AGE.

I KNOW THEY´RE ASKING HAVE YOU GOTTEN FUNDS YET?

I KNOW THE ANSWER BUT I WANT TO HEAR.

>> ACTUALLY NO, IT´S OUR SECOND SLATED SCHOOL TO BE OBLIGATED.

WE´RE HOPING THAT WOULD HAPPEN WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS AND AS CHANELLE INDICATED, IT WILL INVOLVE EXPANDING THE EXISTING LOCKHART SITE.

WE´RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT AND I NEED TO SAY THE STUDENTS HAVE ADJUSTED WELL.

I THINK SOMETIMES WE, AS ADULTS, THINK CHILDREN DON´T ADAPT BUT THEY DO AND THE CHILDREN ARE ARE ARE RECEIVING A QUALITY EDUCATION AT THE LOCKHART CAMPUS.

YES, IT´S TIGHT BUT AS SOON AS FUNDING COMES ONLINE, WE WILL PROCEED WITH THE EXPANSION OF THE CAMPUS.

>> WE HAVE ALSO THAT MODERNIZATION THAT HAPPENED WITH CHARLOTTE O´MALLEY.

AND THE WEEKLY -- I MEAN EVERYTHING YOU SPOKE ABOUT OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AND WATCHING IT GO THROUGH AND LIGHT NEW TECHNOLOGY, AIRY CLASSROOM.

WE´RE ABLE TO SEE THAT AT THE CHARLOTTE AMALI AN EX.

JUST THE VISION AND HOW ALL OF THAT CAME TOGETHER.

>> THE WEEKLY SKILLS CENTER HAS BEEN RENOVATED AND TURNED OVER TO THE CHARLOTTE AMALJA HIGH SCHOOL.

SERVING AS THE NINTH GRADE ACADEMY.

AND IT GIVES THE COMMUNITY A LITTLE TASTE OF WHAT FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACES ARE LIKE.

THE STUDENTS IN THE MAIN BUILDING WILL BE ABLE TO CHANGE CLASSES BETWEEN THREE DIFFERENT SUBJECTS WITHOUT REGARDS TO WHETHER OR NOT IT´S RAINING OUTSIDE.

THAT´S A BIG DEAL BECAUSE THE WAY WE LEARN, THE STUDENT DOESN´T JUST STAY IN ONE ROOM AND LISTEN TO THE TEACHER WHO´S LECTURING.

THEY INTERACT, TRAVEL BETWEEN ROOMS.

ESPECIALLY WITH THE LOCK SCHEDULE FOR 30 MINUTES.

A GROUP OF STUDENTS MAY GO TO THE COMPUTER LAB AND THE TEACHER CAN KEEP AN EYE ON THEM BECAUSE IT´S GLASS AND IT´S RIGHT THERE.

ALL OF THOSE THINGS, SOME OF THE FEATURES ARE MOVABLE WALLS, TEACHERS CAN TEACH AND COLLAPSE THE WALLS AND ONE TEACHER GIVE THE LESSON TO ALL THREE CLASSES.

IT´S A VERY EXCITING WAY TO LEARN AND IT´S GOOD TO HAVE BUILDINGS THAT SUPPORT THAT TYPE OF LEARNING.

SO, THAT IS JUST A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT IS TO COME AT CHARLOTTE.

WHEN WE DO MY ALMA MATER.

>> OH, LOOK AT THAT.

LOOK AT THAT.

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT AS INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERS, BECAUSE THAT´S WHAT I AM BY NATURE, WE ADAPT A LOT OF CONCEPTS AND ONE HAS BEEN COLLABORATION AND CREATING THE SYSTEM OF COLLABORATION.

BUT THE BUILDINGS NEVER FACILITATED THAT.

THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT CONCEPTUALLY WE WANTED OUR TEACHARDS TO DO AND NOW THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND THREE ROOMS TO ONE.

IF FRACTIONS IS NOT MY FORDAY, THAT TEACHER COULD DEE THE INSTRUCTION AND I SUPPORT IN THE BREAKOUT SESSION.

IT´S LOOKING AT EDUCATION DIFFERENTLY AND HAVING SPACES THAT ADD TO IT.

>> THIS IS BEAUTIFUL.

IF I WAS A TEACHER -- >> I´D BE EXCITED.

>> JUST THE WHOLE CONCEPT AND I THINK WHEN WE WENT TO SCHOOL, I REMEMBER HAVING A CLASSROOM THAT KIND OF DID WHAT YOU WOULD SAID IT WOULD DO BUT IT REQUIRED US TO PUSH AND PULL.

IT´S MORE WORK TO EXPAND IT BUT NOW EVERYTHING IS SO EASY.

THIS IS ACTUALLY BEAUTIFUL.

YOU DIDN´T REALIZE THIS INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER IS GOING TO TURN INTO A CONSTRUCTION LEADER AS WELL.

ABRAHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN ST. THOMAS IS THE NEXT MODERNIZATION PROJECT AND CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUX.

MANAGER, OUGHT SO TOOK A MOMENT TO SHARE DETAILS WITH OUR CREW BECAUSE WE´RE NOSY.

>> THE FIRST THING WAS REMOVE THE BUSH AND SUA FENCE.

IMPLEMENT SECURITY MEASURES.

THE BUILDING WAS BUILT AROUND 1970.

SO, THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT ADA UPGRADES TO THE CAMPUS.

WALKING COMPLIANCE AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.

WE ARE CURRENTLY STARTING THE FINISHING STAGES, SUCH AS DOOR INSTALLATION, WALL PREPARATIONS.

THE INSTALLATION OF BATHROOM TILES AND TECHNICAL FEATURES.

THE SCHOOL WILL HAVE ALL NEW FURNITURE.

INTERCOM SYSTEMS, PA SYSTEMS AND WE´LL BE READY IN THE FALL.

I WANT TO PERSONALLY THANK THE NEW SCHOOL OF OPERATIONS, THEIR ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

IT MAKES OUR JOB BETTER.

IT´S REALLY GREAT TO WORK WITH THEM.

>> SOMEBODY SAID ATTENTION TO DETAIL BECAUSE WHEN YOU WERE -- IT LOOKS LIKE YOU DID PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT IN IT.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL OF THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

SO, I´M EXCITED.

>> WHEN WE WORK IN THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WE HAD SOME STUDENTS ON THE COMMITTEE AND THEY WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN TELLING US WHAT THE SCHOOL OF THE FUTURE SHOULD INCLUDE.

>> WOW.

TALK ABOUT THAT FOR A QUICK SECOND.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE MASTER PLANNING SO YOU CAN NOW HAVE SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE?

>> WELL, THE COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED.

WE HELD OUR FIRST MEETING, I BELIEVE, ON ST. CROIX AND WE MET BETWEEN THE TWO ISLANDS AND WE STARTED USING TECHNOLOGY TO MEET VIRTUALLY.

AND JOINTLY.

WE HAD STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE COMMITTEE.

THERE WERE WORKSHOPS.

PEOPLE ACTUALLY MADE SKETCHES AND PROVIDED THAT DETAIL INPUT INTO WHAT THE CLASSROOM OF THE FUTURE SHOULD LOOK LIKE.

NATURAL LIGHT IS ONE THING THAT WAS BIG AS WELL AZTECNOLOGY.

>> EQUITY WAS A BIG ONE.

>> EQUITY.

BETWEEN THE SCHOOL?

>> EQUITY IN RESOURCES BETWEEN OUR BUILDINGS.

SO, THAT´S PART OF WHY CHENILE SAID EVERY SCHOOL WILL BE IMPACTED THROUGH REBUILDING MODERNIZATION, AND EXPANSIONS.

NO SCHOOL WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.

>> YOU MEAN I DON´T HAVE TO PUT MY CHILD´S ADDRESS AS MY GRANDMA?

>> MOW.

>> NOT ONLY ABOUT SCHOOLS THOUGH.

IS TELL US ABOUT THE SITE.

I KNOW THEIR PLAN AND WHAT IS THIS GOING TO BE USED FOR?

>> IT´S GOING TO BE USED AS THE TEMPORARY CURRICULUM CENTER.

OUR CURRIC JLER CENTER WAS DESTROYED AND WE DID EMBARK ON A PROCESS OF DESIGNING FIVE STRUNG BUILDINGS TO ACCOMMODATE A TEMPORARY CURRICULUM CENTER.

HOWEVER, AS WE GOT INTO THE PROCESS, THE COST ESCALATED AND FEMA SAID WE THINK YOU NEED TO LOOK AT A LOWER COST ALTERNATIVE.

SO, WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE GOVERNMENT, WE REVIEWED GOVERNMENT SITES THAT MIGHT BE LARGE ENOUGH TO HOLD OFFICES, AT LEAST ON A TEMPORARY BASIS AND THE BUILDING WAS SELECTED.

SO, WE HAVE A PROJECT WORK SHEET THAT WAS APPROVED AND WE´RE WORKING TO DEVELOP THE PLAN AND THAT WILL BE PUT OUT TO CONSTRUCTION AND THAT WILL TEMPORARILY HALT CURRICULUM CENTER UNTIL WE BUILD A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT AND THAT WILL BE AN ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER, THE GOMEZ SITE THAT WILL HOLD STATE AND DISTRICT OFFICES.

ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR PARENTS.

EVERYTHING IN ONE FACILITY.

>> SOUNDS EXCELLENT.

WELL, LAST BUT NOT LEAST AND WE HAVE OUR RESIDENT EXPERT OVER HERE.

I KNOW IT´S A TOPIC NEAR AND DEAR TO YOUR HEART.

WHAT´S NEXT -- >> VERY NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART.

I´VE BEEN IN THIS GAME 20 YEARS.

THERE´S BEEN CONVERSATION FOR 20 YEARS ABOUT A NEW SCHOOL ON ST. JOHN.

AND TO ACTUALLY SEE IT COME INTO LIFE IS JUST AWESOME.

AND SO, WE´RE LOOKING AT A DIFFERENT STRUCTURE FOR ST. JOHN.

PRE-K TO 12.

AND RIGHT NOW I SAID SIT ON A NATIONAL ADVISORY SERVICE AND I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT´S MOVING IN THE DIRECTION OF CGI.

WEIR INVESTIGATOR THAT SOLIDIFIED BY DECEMBER OF THIS YEAR AND WE´RE HOPING TO HAVE THE OBLIGATION AROUND THE SAME TIME SO THAT WE CAN REALLY START TO WORK.

I KNOW MY FELLOW ST. JOHNIANS, THEY WANT TO SEE THAT SHOVEL IN THE GROUND.

EVEN THOUGH I´M HERE, THEY STILL ARE NOT SOLD 100%.

THAT IT´S GEEING TO BE A REALITY.

THERE IS A SWAP THAT´S GOING TO HAPPEN.

SO, JUST GIVE US UPDATES.

>> WHISTLING TEA HAS BEEN APPRAISED.

ALONG WITH THE LOT THAT WE´RE LOOKING TO BUILD A NEW SCHOOL ON.

THE APPRAISALS ARE FAVORABLE IN TERMS OF GVI.

COMES OUT AHEAD.

ONCE SOLIDIFIES, THEY´LL HAVE TO PAY BACK THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

BUT IT´S ADEQUATE FOR ST. JOHN BRIDGE AND DOCUMENTS DONE.

WE´RE READY, DIRECTOR.

JUST FEMA JUST WORK WITH US, GET THE OBLIGATION DONE AND MY ST. JOHNIAN FAMILY WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THAT THEIR DREAM FOR 20 YEARS NOW WILL BE A REALITY.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YOU HAVE TO SEE IT AND FOR IT BE TO ABLE TO BRING IT TO FRUITION AND THOSE CONVERSATIONS YOU´RE TALKING ABOUT A LOT OF DIFFERENT FEDERAL AGENCIES AND THE MORE YOU HAVE, THE MORE.

>> EXACTLY.

REGULATION, DOCUMENTATION, >> BUT IT´S DIFFERENT PASSION THIS TIME.

LIKE I SAID I´VE BEEN IN IT 20 YEARS.

BUT THIS TEAM BOTH NATIONALLY AND LOCALLY.

>> I THINK TO YOUR POINT.

IT´S BECAUSE THEY HAVE MONEY.

THERE´S ACTUALLY MONEY.

BEFORE WE´RE TALKING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AND NOW THERE´S FUNDING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

WE´LL KEEP OUR EYE ON WHAT´S GOING ON WITH ST. JOHN.

THE DEPARTMENT IS NOT ONLY RECEIVING RECOVERY FUNDS, YOUR AGENCY IS UTILIZED COVID FUNDS TO HELP WITH SOME OF THE REPAIRS AND MAKING SURE THE SCHOOL IS READY FOR STUDENTS AS THEY COME BACK.

AND SO, TELL US ABOUT HOW WE´RE USING, HOW THE DEPARTMENT IS USING THE COVID FUNDS TO GET THE SCHOOLS READY.

>> SO, THE SECOND TRONCH OF THE COVID DOLLARS WERE VERY SPECIFIC IN THE LINE ITEM USAGE.

WE´RE USING THOSE DOLLARS FOR AC RENOVATIONS, NO INSTALLATIONS, BATHROOM FIXTURES AND THOSE TYPE OF THINGS.

PEA FUNDS ARE MORE FLEXIBLE AND WHAT WE´VE DECIDED, THE REST OF THE TEAM, IS TO LOOK HOLISTICALLY AT ALL OF OUR SCHOOLS.

WE´RE UPGRADING EVERY SINGLE KITCHEN.

PUTTING MODERNIZED EQUIPMENT IN THERE.

WE´RE LOOKING AT SAFETY CONCERNS.

OUR SCHOOLS HAVE TO BE RETROFITTED TO KEEP OUR PEOPLE SAFE.

BUT WE´RE GETTING THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DOLLARS, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT SAFETY AND SECURITY IS A MUST.

AND SO, USING COVID DOLLARS, WE WERE ABLE TO SECURE THE GROUP TO DO AN ASSESSMENT AND CREATE SCOPES OF WORK THAT WOULD DRIVE THAT PROCESS AND WE´RE LOOKING FORWARD TO PUTTING THOSE OUT VERY SOON.

AND WE´RE GOING TO START WORKING ON OUR SCHOOLS.

>> WHAT HAS BEEN DONE IN LINE WITH SECURITY IN THE SCHOOLS?

ANY ADDITIONAL SECURITY SYSTEMS?

CAMERAS?

>> WE STARTED TO UPGRADE THE INTERCOM SYSTEM.

THAT´S A HUGE ISSUE BECAUSE THEY CAN´T COMMUNICATE WITH THE OFFICE IF THERE´S AN EMERGENCY.

WE´RE IMPROVING THE PERIMETER FENCING AND DIFFERENT EGRESS -- YOU CAN HELP ME OUT WITH THAT.

BY HAZARDS THAT WE HAVE.

SOME STRUCTURES THAT NEED ADDITIONAL EXITS ADDED TO IT.

SO, THOSE THINGS HAVE REALLY GONE THROUGH EVERY SINGLE CAMPUS AND GIVEN US A DETAILED WAY FORWARD OF HOW TO USE THOSE DOLLARS.

>> WONDERFUL.

AND I KNOW IT´S A LOT OF DIFFERENT INITIATIVES YOU HAVE GOING ON.

BECAUSE YOU´RE DEMOLISHING SCHOOLS, REBUILDING SCHOOLS, MODERNIZING SCHOOLS.

YOU´RE TAKING COVID FRONTS TO MAKE SURE THERE´S AIR QUALITY IN THE CURRENT SCHOOLS.

THERE´S A LOT GOING ON AT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

AND BE NICE -- >> VERY NICE.

VERY NICE.

>> WE´RE GOING TO NEED A MATCH.

>> YES.

AND THAT´S ANOTHER STEP IN THE PROCESS BUT WE´RE ALL WORKING COLLABORATIVELY TO HELP MOVE THE PROJECTS FORWARD.

BUT MAINTENANCE.

SO, WE´RE BUILDING BRAND NEW SCHOOLS BUT WE MUST MAINTAIN THEM.

AND WHEN SHE PUTS HER MONEY IN TO THE PROJECTS, YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU´RE KEEPING THEM MAINTAINED.

WHAT´S THE PLAN FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE BRAND NEW SCHOOLS COMING ONLINE?

>> PUT SOME THINGS IN POSITION NOW, FOR EXAMPLE.

WE´RE LOCK LOGGING INVENTORY IN ANY SCHOOL WE ADD ANYTHING TO.

WE´RE TRACKING THE LIFE CYCLE OF OUR TWO THINGS HE STANDARDIZING OUR APPROACH TO THE INSTALLATION OF THINGS.

WE HAVE A DRAFT PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PLAN THAT WE´RE GOING TO ROLL OUT.

WE HAVE A WORK ORDER SYSTEM CURRENTLY CALLED MAXIMO THAT WILL HELP US BE MORE EFFICIENT.

BUT WE´RE CHALLENGED WITH A REVENUE STREAM TO MAINTAIN FACILITIES.

WE´RE IN CONVERSATION WITH THE LEGISLATURES ON HOW BEST TO INSURE THAT WE HAVE THAT FUNDING IN PLACE TO HELP WITH THAT MAINTENANCE?

BECAUSE I NEED TO SAY THESE FEDERAL DOLLARS AREN´T ARE MAINTENANCE.

THESE FEDERAL DOLLARS ARE TO REBUILD AND MODERNIZE AND REPAIR.

WE HAVE TO COME UP IN THE END AND HAVE A PLAN OF HOW WE´RE GOING TO SUSTAIN THESE FACILITIES.

AND THIS IS AN ONGOING DISCUSSION BETWEEN YOU AND MY TEAM BECAUSE IT IS AN ISSUE AND ONE WE MUST ADDRESS.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO WE NEED RIGHT NOW TO MAINTAIN OUR EXISTING FOOTPRINT?

>> $50 MILLION A YEAR.

THAT WOULD PROVIDE MAINTENANCE.

THAT WOULD MEET THE NEEDS THAT WE´RE HEARING AND BECAUSE OUR BUDGET HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO EVEN COME CLOSE TO ONE-THIRD OF THAT, THAT´S WHY WE END UP DOING A LOT OF EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE WORK.

BECAUSE THINGS THAT CAN BE PREVENTED, THERE ARE NO FUNDS FOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.

SO, THOSE ITEMS GET DEFERRED AND THE PROBLEM GROWS AND THERE´S AN EMERGENCY WHERE WATER IS DRIPPING IN A CLASSROOM AND WE GO UP AND USE THE LIMITED FUNDS WE HAVE TO RESPOND TO THE EMERGENCY.

WE NEED A REVENUE STREAM OF ABOUT $50 MILLION A YEAR TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND ACTUALLY MAKE OUR BUILDING SYSTEM LAST A LITTLE BIT LONGER.

>> YOU KNOW, JUST MAKING SURE THAT YOU´RE ABLE TO DO SO, WE´RE BUILDING MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT AND ALL THESE OTHER PLANS INCLUDED IN MODERNIZING THE SCHOOL.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE AND THE EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE, WE START WITH THE BUILDING ITSELF.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WHAT´S HAPPENING INSIDE THE SCHOOL IS FORWARD THINKING AS WELL AND AS WE FINALIZE IT, THE EFFICIENCY AND DELIVERY MAKING IT SAFE.

QUALITY.

BUT ALSO SAFE.

WHEN WE DROP OUR CHILDREN OFF, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE PICK THEM UP.

GOVERNOR BRIAN HAS SAID THE SCHOOL IS ONE OF HIS PRIORITIES.

WE HAVE MARCHING ORDERS.

MARCHING ORDERS ARE HOUSING, SCHOOLS, POWER, OUR ROADS.

THEY´RE ALL TOGETHER AND MAKING SURE BECAUSE THESE ARE THE CRITICAL AREAS OF OUR LIFE AND OF THE COMMUNITY.

SO, LET´S DO A QUICK RECAP.

ON ST. CROIX, WE´RE LOOKING AT GETTING THE NEW -- BRAND NEW HIGH SCHOOL UP AND RUNNING.

>> GRAND MEW CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL.

WE´RE GOING TO MODERNIZE WAY NEATAU GARDEN IS ANOTHER MODERNIZATION AND EXPANSION.

WE HAVE THE SCHOOL, WHICH IS ALFREDO ANDREWS.

WE´RE MODERNIZING JOHN WOODSON.

WHAT DID I FORGET?

>> CLAUDO MARCO.

>> HOW COULD I FORGET CLAUDO MARCO?

FORGIVE ME.

THE PRINCIPAL IS MY COUSIN.

CLAUDO MARCO IS AN EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATION AS WELL.

SO, WE ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE AND THE WAY THAT EDUCATION WILL BE TRANSFORMED.

BUILDING AND INSIDE.

ST. THOMAS WE HAVE CHARLOTTE REBUILD.

WE HAVE MODERNIZATION EXPANSION AT LOCKHART TO HOUSE CONCRINE.

MODERNIZATION AT SEMBLY.

AT [ INAUDIBLE ] AT BCB, MODERNIZATION AT BOWSKY.

WE´RE BRINGING EBO BACK ONLINE.

MODERNIZATION EXPANSION AND KENT, MODERNIZATION.

>> AND MOLA.

>> WE´RE STILL UP IN ARMS ABOUT MOLA BECAUSE WE WOULD LIKE TO DO BE REPLACED.

WE´RE AGGRESSIVELY LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT.

IF IT DOESN´T COME INTO FRUITION, IT WILL BE MODERNIZED.

>> AND WE HAVE ST. JOHN.

>> ONE SCHOOL.

>> YOU KNOW, BENJAMIN.

I KNOW I´VE BEEN IN MANY AREAS.

>> SO, OUR VISION BENJAMIN IS A COMMUNITY CENTER.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS TOURED IT WITH US.

SO, WE´RE LOOKING NOW AT PUTTING TOGETHER A DEMOLITION PLAN AND THEN WE´RE GOING TO WORK WITH HOUSESING PARTS AND RECREATION -- SPORTS PARK AND RECREATION.

I´M AGING MYSELF.

SORRY, COMMISSIONER.

WHITE.

BUT REALLY PUTTING TOGETHER HOLISTIC PLAN THAT MEETS THE NEEDS OF THAT CHORAL BAY COMMUNITY BECAUSE THERE´S REALLY NOTHING IN CORAL BAY FOR OUR STUDENTS.

THAT´S OUR WAY FORWARD.

K THROUGH 12.

>> YOU KNOW, THIS IS REALLY A SNAPSHOT OF -- YOU HAVE OVER -- I THINK IT´S 52 -- 48 FACILITIES AND ALL OF THEM CAN´T GO THROUGH ISSUES AT THE SAME TIME BUT YOU´VE OUTLINED THE ONES MOVING FORWARD.

IF WE WERE PAYING ATTENTION, WE SAID IT WOULD TAKE TWO TO THREE YEARS TO CONSTRUCT THE SCHOOL AND THE MODERNIZATIONS FOR THE SCHOOL DON´T TAKES A LONG.

>> NO.

NOT AS LONG.

SOME OF THEM THAT REQUIRED EXTENSIVE MODERNIZATION MAY TAKE LONG JUST BECAUSE SOME OF THE WORK WE WANT TO DO IN THE SUMMER WHEN THE STUDENTS ARE NOT THERE AND WHAT WE DON´T DO THAT SUMMER IS LIVE UNTIL THE FOLLOWING SUMMER.

IN GENERAL, NO.

IT WILL NOT TAKES A LONG.

>> BEFORE WE CLOSE, I WANTED TO CONTINUE TO THANK THE VIEWERS WHO REACH OUT TO US ON SOCIAL MEDIA DURING AND AFTER OUR SHOW.

BOTH ON FACEBOOK AND OUR INFO BOX AT.

AND ONE OF OUR RECENT VIEWER, WANTED TO KNOW WHAT´S GOING ON WITH THE JACKSON PARK LOCATED IN WHIM.

NOW, THE WHIM BALL PARK, THAT´S WHAT EVERYBODY CALLS IT.

IT´S ACTUALLY MOVING FORWARD.

IT´S GOING GUYING OUT AND WORK CAN CONTINUE AFTER THE CERTIFICATION PERIOD AND WE HAVE CONTRACTORS ON BOARD.

IT DOES TAKE A PROCESS.

YOU GO THROUGH THE SCOPING PROCESS WHERE YOU DESIGN THE PROJECT.

AND THEN YOU GO INTO PUTTING IT OUT TO BID AND GET THE CONTRACTING DONE.

AND OF COURSE THE CONTRACTOR MOBILIZED SO THE WORK CAN START.

SO, THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTIONS AND RECOVERY PROJECTS ARE DEFINITELY MOVING.

THERE´S A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE BEHIND THE SCENES AND YOU DON´T SEE EVERYTHING HAPPENING RIGHT AWAY BUT ONCE THE SOLICITATION WE WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GO TO ODR.COM.

TO SEE WHAT´S GOING ON SO OUR CONTRACTORS AND OUR FOLKS THAT WANT TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE RECOVERY KNOWS WHAT´S GOING ON.

WELL, TIME FLIES WHEN YOU´RE HAVING FUN.

>> IT SURE DOES.

>> SO, GIVE US LAST PARTING WORDS.

WHAT CAN THE PEOPLE OF VIRGIN ISLANDS EXPECT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND REBUILDING OUR SCHOOLS?

>> WELL, WE´RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO WORK OUR HARDEST TO DELIVER NEW AND MODERNIZED SCHOOLS TO THE COMMUNITY.

WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE YOUR FEEDBACK AND INPUT AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO REENGAGING THE ADVISORY COUNSEL AGAIN TO GET FEEDBACK AND INPUT AS WE IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT AND KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED.

>> I´M READY TO TAKE MY SHOVEL AND DIG THE GROUND AT THE NEW ARTHUR RICHARD SITE.

SO, REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT KICKING OFF AND FOR US TO BE ABLE TO SAY TO THE COMMUNITY WE´RE GOING TO AGGRESSIVELY WORK TO GET WHATEVER WE CAN FROM FEMA.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE.

CONDITIONS ARE NOT WHERE THEY NEED TO BE BUT YOU´VE BEEN DOING AN AWESOME JOB TEACHING OUR CHILDREN AND WE´LL DO OUR BEST TO UTILIZE THE FUNDS NOW AVAILABLE TO US TO MAKE YOUR ENVIRONMENTS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.

>> WONDERFUL.

>> AND MY COHOST, WILL YOU BE BACK NEXT MONTH?

>> CAN YOU GET ME OFF THE STAGE?

>> THIS IS REALLY WONDERFUL HAVING YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND WE SHARED THE FACT THAT MR. GRIFFET KNOW LONGER GOING TO BE RIDING WITH US BUT DEFINITELY WE´LL KEEP ON KEEPING ON IN MAKING SURE WE BRING UPDATES FOR THE RECOVERY.

I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY THAT TUNED IN FOR THIS EPISODE AND WE´VE HEARD UPDATE ON PLANS FROM TERRITORIES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AS WELL AS THE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY AND OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVER EA.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN FIND US ONLINE AND YOU CAN KEEP THE DISCUSSION GOING ON AT FACEBOOK.COM/WTJX.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE´LL CONTINUE TO BUILD A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE.