ST ANDREW, Jamaica — Bowden Hill Primary School is set to reopen its doors to the children of West Rural St Andrew in January 2016, after it was closed last September.

Portfolio Minister Ronald Thwaites disclosed on Monday that the Ministry of Education would make arrangements to have a board and an acting principal in place by the start of the next school term.

Bowden Hill Primary was one of several under-populated schools that the Ministry of Education closed last September. Since the closure of the school, the Church of God of Prophecy offered its meeting hall as a venue to hold classes. According to a media release from the ministry, student population is now 60 plus — which is significantly above the 18 who were enrolled at the school, which prompted its closure.

Minister Thwaites’ decision to reopen the school followed representation by Member of Parliament Paul Buchanam and appeals from community representatives. During a meeting on Monday with this group, Minister Thwaites indicated that the Ministry of Education would partner with them and the Buchanan to effect repairs to the school to facilitate its resumption in January.

He also commended the church and community representatives for their efforts to ensure that an educational institution remains in the community and implored them to keep the enrolment above 60 to ensure the viability of the school.

Bowden Hill Primary has a capacity of 84 students.

The education minister also indicated that over the medium term, the ministry would also introduce a skill-training programme at the school in collaboration with the HEART Trust/NTA.