USVI Head Start Faces Funding Cuts

St. Croix Times Staff

Although the Trump Administration has apparently backed off from previous threats to completely defund Head Start nationally, the six-decade old program which educates more than half-a million children from low income and homeless families, the Head Start program in the USVI has been informed that due to under-enrollment there would be a $2 million plus cut in funding. 

“The funding enrollment and grant funding will be reduced to 637 and $8,394,673 respectively,” Department of Human Services (VIDHS) Commissioner Averil George told VI lawmakers of the Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services at a recent meeting.  

Prior to the reduction, Head Start was funded based on a count of 794 students. The current number of 637 represents a 20.5% difference below the previous funding capacity. “This has been an ongoing challenge for Head Start programs across the nation since reopening from the COVID pandemic,” Ms. George stated. “The reduction is effective immediately but the program has the option to appeal this decision, and we plan to do so by the June 19, 2025 appeal deadline.”

Even though the Trump Administration did not decide to axe the Head Start program, it stands to reason under the current budget slashing mania, headed up by Elon Musk and DOGE, the Republicans are putting a magnifying glass to every expense that is going out the government’s door.

VIDHS has been the Territory’s Head Start grantee for over fifty years. It is in its final year of a five year grant. The department is expected to apply for competitive federal grants every five years.      

“Given the fact it is in its final year of our five-year grant, the negative impact of this reduction is expected to be minimal,” added Commissioner George. “We are not standing still in response to these changes. We are actively working to position the program for long-term stability and success.”