Story Created:
Oct 8, 2012 at 9:53 PM ECT
Story Updated:
Oct 8, 2012 at 9:53 PM ECT
Rock River Roman Catholic School was shut down yesterday, as parents demanded a teacher in each classroom.
The Moruga school, with an enrolment of 112 pupils, is being operated by three teachers, parents said.
Karlene Williams, spokesperson for the parents, said they have been asking for an increase in the teaching staff for the past six years.
"Every year the teachers are leaving and we end up with three teachers now. The Standard Five teacher is sticking with his children and the other two teachers have to share the rest of the school. They have (on-the-job) trainees supervising the children, but they are not allowed to teach," she said.
Williams said promises by the Ministry of Education that the school would be staffed have gone unfulfilled.
"Every term they telling us we getting more teachers and this term was no different. After complaints they told us that the school will be fully staffed this morning. We came here and it was the same three teachers. Parents are transferring their children out of the school every day," she said.
The angry parents locked the school gates and stood outside with their children.
They held up placards, demanding additional teachers and improved facilities.
"We also have issues with the school toilets and compound. But our main concern is the teachers," she said.
Williams said numerous complaints have been made at the Ministry of Education and Roman Catholic Board of Education.
A Ministry official said the matter was being addressed. He was unable to say, however, when the teaching staff would be increased.
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