August 14, 2025 
via email to: jp.oriol@dpnr.vi.gov 
The Honorable Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner 
Department of Planning and Natural Resources 
St. Thomas, USVI  00801 
 
RE: 
VIDE is requesting an FCD Pre-Application Meeting for the Demolition and New Construction of the E. 
Benjamin Oliver PreK-8th School, St. Thomas, VI. 
Government of the Virgin Islands - Department of Education - Disaster Recovery/New Schools Unit 
 
Dear Commissioner Oriol: 
 
The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is hereby requesting a FCD Pre-Application Meeting for the 
Demolition and New Construction of the E. Benjamin Oliver PreK-8th School: 
The E. Benjamin Oliver PreK-8th School was damaged during the 2017 Hurricane Irma and Maria events and deemed 
unsafe for students and faculty. The E. Benjamin Oliver PreK-8th School has been assessed and approved for 
Reconstruction by FEMA. The E. Benjamin Oliver PreK-8th School location is at 142 Anna's Retreat, Charlotte 148-325 
Palmetto Road, Anna's Retreat, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802 
The plan proposes redevelopment of the existing site, which will include the demolition of the existing abandoned 
buildings. A completely new school facility, including Administration / PreK Suite Building, a 2-story  (K-5 + 6-8) 
building,  Electives and Media Center building and Gymnasium(FEMA safe room), and Dining building.  
 
The Demolition and New Construction of the E. Benjamin Oliver PreK-8th School campus combines a light building 
footprint, resiliency, and innovative building systems to create a flexible and forward-thinking learning environment for 
students and faculty. 
Total Square Feet: 68,419 SF 
Grades: PreK-8th 
Number of Students: +/-500 
 
Address: 142 Anna's Retreat, Charlotte 148-325 Palmetto Road, Anna's Retreat, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802 
 
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Luana Powell – luana.powell@vide.vi, cell phone – 
340.244.6876. 
Respectfully, 
 
Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed. D. 
Commissioner, VIDE