Education

Assistant Education Commissioner Maria Encarnacion Passes Away

The Department of Education late Saturday announced the passing of Assistant Commissioner Maria Encarnacion, who died on December 21 following a brief illness. In an email message to employees Saturday evening, D.O.E. Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin expressed her sorrow at the news of Encarnacion’s passing. “We are deeply saddened, and our hearts are heavy,” Berry-Benjamin said. “Words cannot adequately express what Ms. Encarnacion has meant to the St. Croix District, the Department of Education, and to me personally. We send our love to her vast family, and personal and professional circles. The Department of Education will not be the same without Ms. Encarnacion, a consummate educational leader and our friend. She will be profoundly missed.” Encarnacion had been employed with the Department of Education for almost four decades, serving in a range of capacities, including elementary teacher, assistant principal, principal, deputy superintendent, and district director of curricu...