A small group of parents and friends of The Queen’s School in Kingston, headed by former sportscaster Robert “Bobby” Fray and attorney Richard Bonner, yesterday staged a peaceful protest outside the school’s gate to voice their discontent with the appointment of a new headmistress.

The protesters waved placards indicating their discontent with the Anglican Diocese, who they accused of recommending the appointment which saw acting principal Carole Jackson being removed by the Ministry of Education.

They say Jackson has been acting in the capacity for two years and was more than qualified to be appointed.

“We feel that the Anglican Church has acted in a way that is reminiscent of being an oligarchy, ruled by few, to make a decision which was not just. What has happened is that the person who was qualified (and) had experience was recommended, and with a switch without telling anyone why, they reversed that,” said Bonner, a parent and member of the school board.

He said several letters were sent to the Anglican Diocese seeking an explanation for the decision, but no response had been forthcoming.

Bonner said that he hopes Education Minister Andrew Holness, through Parliament, will amend the 1980 regulation with regards to the minister’s role in the appointment of school principals. He said the minister should review all appointments based on merit and not on rubber-stamping.

Bonner and Fray were out from as early as 3:00 am posting signs — expressing their dissatisfaction — along the roadway facing the school.

The men alleged that the new principal, who was the second choice of three candidates, was selected because of her religious affiliation and not on merit.

Meanwhile, Fray explained that Jackson acted as vice principal for 10 years and got many commendations, following which she acted for another two years as principal after the then principal died.

“Shortly after she (Jackson) received a letter and was confirmed as principal by the Ministry of Education and the Anglican Diocese and then without any change, that was rescinded and now the first letter will not stand,” Fray added.

Queen’s, an Anglican church-run St Andrew school, made the news in May after some board members resigned over a decision by the school to pass up Jackson for the post of head teacher in favour of the current principal, who is a member of the denomination.