The Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance told the Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development that $13,058.77 remains uncommitted from its Settlement Fund and capital fund after $15,723,556.51 was spent or committed to projects, contracts and other obligations.
BSCM reported completing summer work that included restroom renovations, painting, power washing, electrical repairs and roofing. Longer-term needs remain, including air-conditioning projects at multiple schools, playground installations, roof leaks, plumbing deficiencies, aging windows and electrical upgrades.
Air-conditioning equipment has been purchased for Pearl B. Larsen Pre K-8 School and St. Croix Central High School, but installation is awaiting funding, according to the bureau. BSCM said emergencies and supply commitments consumed resources that otherwise could have supported installation work.
The bureau reported 53 maintenance and rehabilitation positions and 17 administrative positions. Lawmakers questioned the use of contractors, the distribution of skilled workers between districts and administrative costs; Senator Kenneth Gittens said he intends to seek the bureau's dissolution during budget deliberations. No dissolution has been approved.
BSCM should publish a school-by-school capital and maintenance ledger showing each project's scope, priority, funding source, amount spent and committed, contractor, start date and expected completion. A companion workforce plan should identify which skills will be maintained in-house and when contracting is more economical.
Source published September 3, 2026. Read the original reporting or release for the complete record.
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