Racquel Berry-Benjamin
Racquel Berry-Benjamin | |
|---|---|
| Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education | |
| In office June 17, 2019 – June 27, 2022 | |
| Governor | Albert Bryan |
| Deputy | Maria Encarnacion Victor Somme III |
| Preceded by | Sharon McCollum |
| Succeeded by | Victor Somme III (interim) |
| Deputy Superintendent of Schools from St. Thomas/St. John District | |
| In office 2013–2019 | |
| Preceded by | Joe Sibilly |
| Succeeded by | Syrma Dee Brown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Racquel Berry May 1, 1983 |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Joseph Benjamin |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | University of the Virgin Islands |
Racquel Berry-Benjamin is a former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education. She served in this role from 2019 until her resignation in 2022.
Commissioner of Education
Appointment and tenure
Berry-Benjamin was nominated by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in early 2019 to serve as Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education. She faced opposition during her confirmation process, as lawmakers expressed concerns about her readiness to lead the department, which manages a budget of nearly $200 million, including federal funds.[1] After Berry-Benjamin made a second Senate appearance in March 2019 and Governor Bryan defended his nomination, her nomination was approved, and she assumed office as Education Commissioner.[2]
Berry-Benjamin led the Department of Education during school recovery efforts from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the transition to virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the department distributed thousands of Chromebooks and MiFi devices to students, ensuring access to online education.[3] Berry-Benjamin's tenure also included the development of a five-year strategic plan for the department.[4]
Resignation
Berry-Benjamin faced criticism from lawmakers and educators regarding school conditions, department responsiveness, and student engagement. In April 2022, protests erupted across the territory, with educators and students citing inadequate classroom conditions, mold issues, and air conditioning failures.[5] On June 27, 2022, Governor Bryan announced her resignation, effective immediately.[6] Assistant Commissioner Victor Somme was appointed as Acting Commissioner.[7]
References
- ^ "Bryan Announces Racquel Berry as His Choice for Department of Education Commissioner". The Virgin Islands Consortium.
- ^ "Berry-Benjamin Confirmed as Education Commissioner". The Virgin Islands Consortium.
- ^ "Berry-Benjamin Touts Record, Praises Staff, Students in Farewell Video". St. Thomas Source. 28 June 2022.
- ^ "Berry-Benjamin Reflects on Tenure as Education Commissioner". St. Thomas Source. 28 June 2022.
- ^ "Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin Resigns". The Virgin Islands Consortium.
- ^ "Governor Bryan Accepts Resignation of Education Commissioner". Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 27 June 2022.
- ^ "Berry-Benjamin Resigns as Commissioner". St. Thomas Source. 27 June 2022.