VIDE to Stop STX Parent District Waivers for Students

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) St Croix District is announcing the discontinuation of Parent District Waivers, and the Districtwide Redistricting for 2026-2027 school year.

The VIDE is informing parents, guardians, and students of an important upcoming change that will take effect at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. Effective May 2026, VIDE will discontinue all parent district waiver requests that allow students to attend schools outside of their assigned residential attendance zone. Parent district waivers have historically permitted families to request enrollment in a school that does not align with the student’s home address. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, this option will no longer be available.

As part of this transition, the Department will implement a comprehensive districtwide redistricting process for all schools across St, Croix. Students will be assigned to schools based strictly on their verified home address as recorded in the student information system. Families will receive written notification identifying their child’s assigned school for the 2026-2027 school year. 

For example, students who currently attend Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School but reside outside of the school’s designated attendance zone, such as students living in the Frederiksted area, will receive notification of their newly assigned school based on their verified home address and established zoning boundaries. To ensure the integrity, fairness, and consistency of the redistricting process, the following conditions will apply:

• Home address changes will not be permitted in the student information portal during the redistricting window for the purpose of circumventing school assignments.

• All student addresses will undergo verification, and families may be required to submit documentation to confirm residency.

This change is designed to promote equitable enrollment practices across the district, strengthen accountability related to student residency, and improve the Department’s ability to plan effectively for staffing, transportation, classroom capacity, and instructional resources. Ultimately, these adjustments are intended to create a more balanced and supportive learning environment that benefits all students. 

Additional information regarding timelines, address verification procedures, and assignment notifications will be shared with families prior to the start of the redistricting process. Parents, guardians, and school administrators are encouraged to review all official communications carefully once issued. 

VIDE thanks all families in advance for their cooperation, understanding, and partnership as we work together to implement changes that will yield positive outcomes for students across the St. Croix District.