USDE Approves VIDE’s Plan to Spend $138 Million

ST. THOMAS, USVI — The U.S. Department of Education has approved the V.I. Department of Education's plan to spend $138 million in American Rescue Act Grant Funding to support students during and after the pandemic.

Secretary of the USDE, Miguel Cardona, addressed his letter of support to VIDE Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin in which he said the VIDE's plan "will help ensure that schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands can continue to reopen safely; support sustained access to in-person instruction throughout the summer and into next school year; and address the social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs of students due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), particularly those students most impacted by the pandemic.”

Cardona added, “as you implement this plan, we expect you to continue meaningfully engaging with stakeholders and the public and revising your plan, as necessary, to best meet the needs of students, parents, and educators.”

Cardona’s letter, along with VIDE’s approved ARP-OA SEA Implementation plan, is posted on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act I and II funding in the amount of $73 million was previously made available to the VIDE at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

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