KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has intervened following ongoing conflicts between members of the leadership and governance structure of St James High School, which have resulted in the closure of the institution.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said it has deployed Executive Director for the National Council on Education, Merris Murray, the Chief Education Officer (acting) Terry-Ann Thomas Gayle and the Regional Director, Michele Pinnock to meet with the school’s administration and other stakeholders to address the matter.

Education Minister, Senator Dana Morris Dixon, upon learning of the matter, underscored the importance of clear governance structures in educational institutions, stating “Situations like this make it clear that we have to provide greater support in the operationalisation of the leadership and governance structure within our schools.  A strong and cohesive leadership and governance structure is essential for the effective management of our schools and, ultimately, the success of our students. Under no circumstances should we have leaders at odds much less behaving in a manner to deprive our students of a day of learning and good example of excellence in stewardship.”

“Effective leadership is the foundation of any successful institution, and schools are no exception. Principals, board members, and school administrators play a critical role in fostering an environment that supports student achievement, teacher development, and overall institutional growth and outcomes. The recent occurrence at St James High is not the example school leaders should set for their students,” Morris Dixon continued.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Kasan Troupe reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to restoring order and providing the necessary support to ensure stability at the learning institution.

“The leadership of our schools is pivotal to the success of our education system. When there is disunity at the top of a school, it directly impacts students, teachers, and the overall learning environment. The ministry is actively working to resolve this matter and will take the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences,” Troupe said.

The ministry said it will continue to implement the necessary interventions to restore stability at St James High School.

READ: School feud: St James High closed after incident with principal, chairman