Office of the Commissioner

Welcome Message from the Commissioner of Education, Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D.

Virgin Islands Department of Education,

Students, Parents, Guardians, Teachers, Administrators, and Staff, welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I am Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education.

It is with a heart full of gratitude, hope, and excitement that I welcome each of you back to another incredible year of learning, growth, and new beginnings. Every school year offers us a fresh opportunity, not simply to start again, but to grow stronger, dream bigger, and continue building a brighter future for every child across the Virgin Islands.

To our students, I want you to know this: you matter. You are seen, you are valued, and you are deeply loved. Every one of you possesses unique talents, gifts, and unlimited potential. There will be days when learning feels easy and days when it feels challenging, but never let a difficult moment convince you that you are incapable of greatness. Believe in yourself, stay curious, ask questions, show kindness, and never stop striving to become the very best version of who you are. We believe in you, and we are committed to helping you succeed.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for the trust you place in us each day. We recognize that educating a child is a partnership, and we are honored to walk alongside you on this journey. Your encouragement at home, your involvement in your child's education, and your unwavering support make a lasting difference. Together, we can create an environment where every child feels confident, supported, and empowered to achieve their dreams.

To our teachers, administrators, and staff, thank you for the heart you bring to your work. You are so much more than educators and employees, you are mentors, encouragers, role models, problem-solvers, and champions for our children. The care you show, the patience you extend, the lessons you teach, and the relationships you build have the power to change lives in ways that may never fully be measured. Thank you for choosing to make a difference every single day.

As we begin this new school year, I encourage all of us to lead with compassion, extend grace, and remember that every interaction matters. Let us continue creating schools where every child feels safe, respected, welcomed, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Let us celebrate one another's successes, support one another through challenges, and never lose sight of the incredible purpose that unites us.

This year, I ask each of us to begin every day with purpose, approach every challenge with resilience, and embrace every opportunity with optimism. Let us choose kindness over criticism, encouragement over discouragement, and collaboration over division. When we lift one another up, there is no limit to what we can accomplish together.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and inspired to succeed. Together, we will continue opening doors to opportunity, cultivating future leaders, and preparing our students to excel.

Success is not measured solely by grades, awards, or accomplishments. It is found in every student who discovers confidence, every teacher who inspires hope, every parent who remains engaged, and every staff member who goes above and beyond to ensure our schools are places where children can thrive. Together, these moments create a culture of excellence that strengthens not only our classrooms but our entire community.
Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D.

As we welcome the 2026–2027 school year, let us move forward with hope in our hearts, excellence in our actions, and an unwavering belief in the promise of every child.

May this be a year of meaningful learning, joyful moments, lasting relationships, and extraordinary achievement.

Welcome back. Let's make this our best year yet.

With highest regards,
Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Education Virgin Islands Department of Education

The Office of the Commissioner formulates and oversees the execution of departmental policies, programs and practices, as well as cooperates and coordinates with the Board of Education, the federal government, the Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the University of the Virgin Islands and other governmental entities in establishing policies and designing educational programs for grades K-12 and the adult population.