Classes at St James High School in Montego Bay have again been disrupted by the simmering tension between the Principal and Chairman over the governing of the institution.
The latest suspension of classes has come despite the intervention of the Ministry of Education last month.
Students and staff turned up Monday morning only to find the gates to the school padlocked. Police and fire personnel were able to remove the lock sometime after 8. o'clock.
But, Radio Jamaica News was informed that, in an address to students on the morning shift, Principal Joseph Williams indicated that he would not be working with Board Chairman, Christopher McCurdy.
School was subsequently dismissed.
A source told Radio Jamaica News that the Parent-Teachers Association and the Students Council body have also objected to the reappointment of Mr McCurdy.
The contentious relationship between the two school leaders led to a verbal dispute that almost turned physical on February 24, resulting in the suspension of classes for one day.
In a letter obtained by Radio Jamaica News, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Dr Kasan Troupe wrote to the Principal on March 19, stating that the matter had been carefully reviewed, based on the meetings held and reports received, which outlined several contending issues and opinions.
Dr Troupe noted that, given the nature of the issues identified, a comprehensive approach was necessary to resolve the conflicts and find closure.
She further stated that mediation was recommended and that an experienced mediator was being engaged.
In the meantime, the school's board of management was instructed to continue to perform its normal functions in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
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