"We are here to change the way we educate our children; to change the way we prepare them for their lives as productive, honest and caring members of our society. To begin the discussion on education we must first come to a realization; our system is not working. We are failing our children worse and worse each and every day. This must change, and change it will, beginning today," deJongh said. "My administration will leave our schools better than we found them and give our children the tools they need to compete in a society that is reliant upon a solid education more than ever."

Spampinato has studied and borrowed from national success models and initiatives as a means of highlighting tried and tested formulae. Her vision for improving the administration of education is centered on many of the lessons learned from other success stories, and is targeted at school systems with a diverse and complex student population. Her methodology in providing innovative mechanisms for diffusing obstacles and other barriers to achievement has resulted in dramatic increases in test scores, greater accountability measures, higher performance among students, and increased cost savings. As a self-proclaimed "reformer," and "change agent," Spampinato hopes to put forward new and effective learning models for instruction and administration in the Virgin Islands public schools. 

"The Governor has spoken many times of the need to transform and improve the educational opportunities for all children of the Virgin Islands. I believe that I can assist in this dynamic transformation and bridge his strong commitment to excellence in education to realization," Spampinato said.

With impressive educational credentials and many years of solid, hands-on experience, Spampinato is poised to bring educational reform and seasoned administration to the Virgin Islands public school system. "Dr. Spampinato possesses a rare set of skills. A close look at her background shows an interesting dichotomy of tenured involvement as well as short term crisis management. She rose through the ranks and spent over 20 years in Colorado to rise up and establish herself as a leader in public education there. Answering the call of another challenge, her career took a turn towards that of the reformer, where she has acquitted herself as among the best in the country at turning around troubled and underperforming systems," deJongh said. "She is what we need today."

Previously, Spampinato was Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, Assessment, and Accountability in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she provided management and leadership for a district comprising 5,000 employees and 31,000 students. With a District comprising 39 elementary schools, ten middle schools, and ten high schools, Spampinato expertly provided senior level administration to a school community seeking improvement and reform. She has also been Superintendent of Schools in Frisco, Colorado, and has a broad and inclusive background, providing executive leadership in the Colorado, Missouri, and Pennsylvania public school systems.

Spampinato's dedication to children and her commitment to education are firmly rooted in a deep and philosophical belief in the importance of equal opportunity, high standards of excellence, and community responsibility. Dr. Spampinato has a comprehensive and overarching understanding of the challenges present and solutions needed in the nation's urban schools, and is determined to bring that results-driven and forward-thinking approach to the Virgin Islands public school system. She has always maintained that a strong school system is one of superior leadership, expert administration and teaching, and above all, a willingness to strive for higher levels of success and achievement. She is inspired by a central and guiding determination that progress is only best facilitated by cooperative efforts, visionary methods, and total commitment.

Lynn Spampinato received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education/Special Education from Slippery Rock State College and was awarded her Master of Arts in Special Education/Mental Retardation from University of Northern Colorado. She also holds a Doctor of Education in Education Administration from University of Northern Colorado and attended the Leadership Institute at Harvard University.

The Spampinato nomination is subject to the advice and consent of the 27th Legislature.