BOSA Lauds Minister Of Education And JTA President For Positions They Have Taken With Respect To Low Student Population, Under-Utilized Classroom Space, and Professionalism Among Principals At Primary Schools – Vincent Samuels

Rev. Ronald G. Thwaites, Jamaica Minister of Education

It is very encouraging, satisfying, and refreshing to read in the Jamaica Gleaner about comments made by the Minister of Education and the President Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) regarding under -utilized classroom school space, dwindling student population, teacher student ratio, and professionalism among Principals at Primary Schools respectively.

The matter of under-utilized classroom space at taxpayer’s expense and dwindling student population was listed among five (5) items that Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) discussed with the School Board at Beersheba Primary School (Government Leased) on December 4, 2013. Although BOSA’s suggestion to the School Board that a strategy should be formulated and implemented to correct the problem was not welcomed or given serious consideration, with comments made and position taken by the Minister of Education on the subject matter, it is envisaged that not only will an Infant Department be established to occupy under-utilized classroom space, but that some form of programme – including the provision and training in Information Technology (IT) – should be considered so as to empower young unemployed adults in the community to acquire a skill to make themselves marketable.

The practice of Primary School Buildings being the place of activity Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30AM – 3:00PM is counterproductive to ensure that scarce taxpayer’s money is used wisely. Many rural communities in Jamaica long for the days when Primary School Principals who resided at Teachers Cottages provided by the Ministry of Education, always make themselves available and provided leadership and training in JAS Branches, Churches, and other Community Based Organization.

It is towards this end, that Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) lauds the Minister of Education and President JTA for the positions that they have taken to address the problem of under-utilized classroom space, dwindling student population, and need for professionalism among Principals at Primary Schools.

Dr. Mark Nicely, President The JTA (Jamaica Teachers Association)