10-22-2025 Committee on Education and Workforce Development

Bill No. 36-0067 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 by adding a section 41j requiring the Pledge of Allegiance and the Virgin Islands Motto to be recited at the beginning of each school day in public schools, but additionally provides that students may opt out of the recitation Sponsor: The Honorable Alma Francis Heyliger Invited Testifier(s): • Kyza A. Callwood, PhD Chairperson Virgin Islands Board of Education • Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D. Commissioner Virgin Islands Department of Education • Merlene Jones, Ed.D. Principal, Lockhart K-8 School Virgin Islands Department of Education

Bill No. 36-0080 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 mandating a daily morning exercise routine for students in all public schools in the Virgin Islands Sponsor: The Honorable Alma Francis Heyliger Invited Testifier(s): • Kyza A. Callwood, Ph.D. Chairperson Virgin Islands Board of Education • Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D. Commissioner Virgin Islands Department of Education • Merlene Jones, Ed.D. Principal, Lockhart K-8 School Virgin Islands Department of Education • Honorable Justa E. Encarnacion Commissioner Virgin Islands Department of Health • Brian Young, MD, FAAP Pediatrician Partners 4 Kids • Vincent Roberts Commissioner Designee Virgin Islands Department of Sports Parks and Recreation