SERVITE Primary in St Ann was not spared the wrath of Hurricane Beryl, as a section of the institution’s roof was destroyed and classrooms left flooded from leaking ceilings.

The damage, which Principal Nigel Palmer described as extensive, has resulted in a major setback for parents who usually send their children to summer school.

“We normally have summer school and that can’t happen right now. Summer school has to be postponed because of the damage. Most parents work, so the school helps with children while the parents work, so that is a big impact right now,” Parent Teacher’s Association representative Desmond Codner explained.

Codner said electricity has not yet been restored in some communities, and that is also impacting the children negatively.

“Everyone has not had their light restored, so they are home with no light to even entertain them, and no school, so everything is just a big setback,” he said.

Meanwhile, the thought of whether the damage will be repaired before the school term is plaguing Palmer.

“A section of an entire classroom lost its roof, and the ceilings of two other classrooms were drenched with rain [and need repair]. I’m hoping that work will start now; if we start now, we will be able to complete and get things set up for school September,” he said

“Based on my assessment, it is about two weeks of work to be done, so if we start soon things should be completed by the end of August, but a delays might affect us.”

The Ministry of Education reported that a total $797 million has been estimated to repair damage to schools affected by Beryl, with the majority to be spent in St Ann and Trelawny.

Jody Somers, principal of Clapham Primary in Moneague, St Ann, is hopeful that she will receive some assistance to repair damaged ceilings and furniture that were affected by Beryl.

“I have leaking roofs and we can’t take any chances because September is a rainy month and when it’s raining heavily and the students are affected then nothing will be able to take place at school,” Somers told the Jamaica Observer.

“Desks and chairs are also needed for school because they are filled with termites and they got wet, so they are mildewing. I can’t allow the children to sit around those desks. We have shared our concerns with the Ministry of Education and they are doing their best,” she added

Among the other schools affected are Hoolebury Primary, Claremont All-Age, Lower Buxton Primary, Bensonton Primary, and Philadelphia All-Age.

Regional director at the Ministry of Education and Youth Karlene Segree says her team is on the ground doing evaluations in an effort to start doing repairs.

“The ministry is in dialogue with all affected schools and visits have been made by ministry personnel to assess the damage,” she said. “The principals are working closely with us as we address the issues. First priority will be given to schools where the damage is likely to prevent the school from reopening September… all schools will eventually be repaired.”