Racquel Berry-Benjamin

Racquel Berry-Benjamin is a former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education. She served in this role from 2019 until her resignation in 2022.

Racquel Berry-Benjamin
Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education
In office April 2019 – June 2022
Governor	Albert Bryan
Deputy	Maria Encarnacion Victor Somme III
Preceded by	Sharon McCollum
Succeeded by	Victor Somme III (interim)
Deputy Superintendent of Schools from St. Thomas/St. John District
In office 2013–2019
Preceded by	Joe Sibilly
Succeeded by	Syrma Dee Brown
Personal details
Born	Racquel Berry (1983-05-01) May 1, 1983 (age 42) St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Joseph Benjamin
Children	1
Residence	Orlando, Florida
Education	University of the Virgin Islands

Commissioner of Education

Appointment and tenure

Berry-Benjamin was nominated by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. in early 2019 to serve as Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Education. She faced opposition during her confirmation process, as lawmakers expressed concerns about her readiness to lead the department, which manages a budget of nearly $200 million, including federal funds.^[1] After Berry-Benjamin made a second Senate appearance in March 2019 and Governor Bryan defended his nomination, her nomination was approved, and she assumed office as Education Commissioner.^[2]

Berry-Benjamin led the Department of Education during school recovery efforts from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the transition to virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the department distributed thousands of Chromebooks and MiFi devices to students, ensuring access to online education.^[3] Berry-Benjamin's tenure also included the development of a five-year strategic plan for the department.^[4]

Resignation

Berry-Benjamin faced criticism from lawmakers and educators regarding school conditions, department responsiveness, and student engagement. In April 2022, protests erupted across the territory, with educators and students citing inadequate classroom conditions, mold issues, and air conditioning failures.^[5] On June 27, 2022, Governor Bryan announced her resignation, effective immediately.^[6] Assistant Commissioner Victor Somme was appointed as Acting Commissioner.^[7]