ROACH AND FRANCIS believe in
Education that Prepares Our Children for Life
Every child deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in school, work, and life. A Roach Francis Administration will focus on four priorities: strengthening learning from the earliest years, preparing students for careers and college, supporting teachers and families, and ensuring every child has the tools and support they need to succeed. We will work to build an education system that creates opportunity and keeps our young people on a path to success right here in the Virgin Islands.
Give Every Child a Strong Start.
Many students enter school already behind in key areas of learning. Early literacy challenges and delayed interventions can make it harder for children to succeed as they move through the education system.
We will strengthen early childhood education by fully implementing PreK–3 certification requirements, expanding access to quality early learning opportunities, and ensuring students receive the academic support they need during the most important years of development.
When children start strong, they are more likely to succeed in school, graduate, and build successful futures.
Connect Education to Real Opportunity.
Education should prepare students for life after graduation. The connection between the classroom and future careers is not always clear, leaving students without a defined pathway to college, entrepreneurship, technical professions, or the workforce.
We will expand Career and Technical Education (CTE), strengthen partnerships with the University of the Virgin Islands, increase dual-enrollment opportunities, invest in STEAM pathways, and align workforce training with the industries creating jobs in the Virgin Islands.
Students should graduate with a plan, a purpose, and the skills needed to succeed.
Invest in Teachers, Families, and Schools.
Great schools depend on great teachers, strong leadership, and engaged families. Teacher shortages, leadership vacancies, and uneven access to resources continue to place strain on schools and affect student success.
We will grow our own teacher pipeline, strengthen school leadership, improve district accountability, expand professional development opportunities, and ensure schools have the technology and connectivity needed to support teaching and learning.
When we invest in educators and schools, we invest in the success of every student.
Meet Students Where They Are. No child left without support.
Every child learns differently, and every child deserves the support needed to succeed. Students face a range of challenges, including absenteeism, mental health concerns, learning disabilities, and other barriers that can affect academic success.
We will expand student support services, strengthen after-school and alternative programs, improve attendance interventions, provide wraparound supports, and create stronger partnerships among schools, families, and community organizations.
Success should not be determined by a student's circumstances. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.