Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis is out of the Territory, attending his first National Lieutenant Governor's Association Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Reporting back from his first day, Lt. Governor Francis called the meeting "productive," emphasizing that he has spoken to several key figures on serious issues that are affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to Lt. Governor Francis, much of the discussion today was centered on the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act with prominent policy makers.

"This was a very important debate as I truly believe that the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act requires serious study, particularly with respect to sufficient funding for this program," Lt. Governor Francis said. "While the goal of the No Child Left Behind Act is admirable, we in the Virgin Islands know the problems that we have had in trying to implement it."

Lt. Governor Francis said to ensure that unique problems faced in the Virgin Islands receive the national attention it deserves, he has invited Mr. Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, to the Territory to meet with local teachers and policy makers to discuss education policy issues and their potential impact on our students in the Virgin Islands.

"I am elated that Mr. Weaver has accepted my invitation and I will reach out to local stakeholders to arrange his visit," Lt. Governor Francis said.

During his stay in the nation's capital, Lt. Governor Francis is also scheduled to meet with members of Congress, including Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen, to discuss other national policies. He is expected to return to the Territory early next week.