May 8, 2026

VIDE and MCN Build Hosts Project Launch Ceremony Marking the Start of the Modernization of the St. Croix Educational Complex

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), in partnership with MCN Build, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) officially launched the New St. Croix Educational Complex High School project during a ceremonial event held on Friday, May 8th, at the school’s campus.

Government officials, education leaders, project partners, students, and community members joined together to celebrate a pivotal moment in the Territory’s public education. The gathering highlighted the shared dedication to creating safe, innovative, and student-focused learning spaces for all.

“Today, we launched more than a construction project. We launched hope, opportunity, progress, and a renewed belief in the power of education. May this modernization stand for generations as a symbol for resilience, excellence, and the unwavering commitment we have made to the children of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D.

Lisa Anders, Senior Vice President of MCN Build, shared what being entrusted with the project means to her team: “At MCN Build, we believe construction is about far more than structures, concrete, and steel. It is about people. It is about creating spaces that strengthen communities and improve lives. It is about economic development and empowering people. We are also incredibly excited to be delivering the Arthur Richards School this summer! The project represents the level of quality, innovation, and care that students in this territory deserve. It reflects a new generation of educational facilities, modern, resilient, and designed for 21st Century learning.”

The New St. Croix Educational Complex is among the first projects identified in VIDE’s Educational Facilities Master Plan. The modernized St. Croix Educational Complex High School will feature flexible learning spaces designed to support diverse educational needs through an integrated blend of curricula, instructional strategies, adaptable furnishings, and advanced technology. Structural enhancements will improve resilience against seismic and wind forces, while upgrades will include new water and lighting fixtures, a fully integrated fire protection system, and a battery energy storage system to ensure power reliability. Designed to accommodate up to 1,200 students, the facility will provide a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that supports both academic and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

“Completing major construction such as this, on an active school site, is challenging. However, the strategy that we’ve outlined is one that we believe will garner much success,” said ODR Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien. She went on to say, “We are layering three different funding sources to complete this project. That itself presents a level of complexity. However, it is a challenge that we’re confident we can face and complete this project by the scheduled 2029 deadline.””

With a projected completion date of March 2029, the modernization project underscores VIDE’s continued investment in creating equitable, high-quality educational spaces that foster student achievement, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

“Today’s launch at the St. Croix Educational Complex marks the fourth groundbreaking in the last six weeks for a major public school reconstruction or modernization project in our Territory,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr. “That is real progress our students, teachers, parents, and community can see. I thank MCN Build and our federal partners for helping move this important project forward. Together, we are delivering a more resilient campus with modern classrooms, advanced technology, reliable power, and expanded support for academic and career and technical education. It is a real showing of the progress this administration has made, and continues to make, in the areas that matter most to Virgin Islanders.”

The St. Croix Educational Complex was constructed between 1993-1994, and first opened its doors in 1995. The facility is divided into two sections: The St. Croix Educational Complex High School (SCECHS), and The St. Croix Career and Technical School (CTEC). For generations, SCEC has offered a comprehensive education, providing students in grades 9-12 with diverse academic, career, and technical opportunities. This modernization marks a new chapter in its legacy—one that will empower students and strengthen the community for years to come.

To learn more about the New St. Croix Educational Complex and the Department of Education’s plan to build new schools in the Virgin Islands, visit www.newschoolsvide.com.