The Virgin Islands Education Department announced that John H. Woodson Jr. High School is expected to reopen for students on Monday, Sept. 8, provided mold testing and air quality results confirm the campus is safe.
The school, which did not open alongside others on Aug. 13, remained closed due to critical summer repairs, including roof work and mold remediation. The Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance has completed roof repairs and remediation, with air conditioning installations slated for completion this week, according to a press release issued by the department.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Department will not reopen the school until confirmation is received that the campus is safe for all faculty, staff, and students,” officials stated.
The proposed reopening schedule begins with staff returning on Thursday, September 4, for classroom prep, orientation planning, and document coordination. Student orientation is scheduled for Friday, September 5, and full classes are set to resume the following Monday — pending satisfactory environmental results, the press release said.
Officials noted the delay has created challenges for the school community. “We understand the inconvenience and uncertainty this delay has caused, and we deeply appreciate the patience, understanding, and support of the John H. Woodson school community,” the release said.
