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The administration of Petersfield High School in Westmoreland has taken issue with the manner in which the Education Ministry responded to an allegation that a first form student was barred from attending classes due to the non-payment of fees.
It said the school feels abandoned by the ministry, which it claimed, accepted the accusation as factual and implied punishment without due process.
Clyde Evans, principal of the school, responded to the allegation in an email to Dr. Maurice Smith, Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry. A copy of the response was obtained by RJR News.
Mr. Evans said neither he nor the school has been contacted directly by Education Minister Ruel Reid or Dr. Smith to ascertain the validity of the claim. Both have made statements to the media on the matter.
Mr. Evans said he has spoken with Dr. Grace McLean, Chief Education Officer, who requested a report on the matter, which was provided.
He said, since the accusation has been made public, the school has been receiving abusive telephone calls from persons referring to administrators as thieves and extortionists. Parents have also been visiting and calling the school demanding the refund of fees paid for packages.
Not widespread
Meanwhile, following the report of the student being from attending classes at Petersfield, the Ministry of Education has said it does not have data to suggest the incident is widespread.
It is reported that the 12-year-old, a first form student, was not allowed to attend classes at Petersfield High because his grandmother was unable to pay the $5,000 for his registration package.
In March this year, Education Minister Ruel Reid announced the removal of auxiliary fees for all public secondary schools. The government increased its subvention for tuition as a complementary measure.
The Ministry of Education is to meet with the Board of Petersfield High School later this month regarding the incident.
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