Past students' associations - 'bully' or 'breadwinner'?

Glenda Anderson, staff reporter

In many schools the past students association is the main support, and they are called on for everything.

But for a few schools, the response is often way more than they asked for. There is subtle bullying, or unethical demands often against the rules of the school.

Sterling Soares, past student of Wolmer's Boys' School in Kingston, and currently chairman of that school's board, admits that the problem of interference by members of some past students associations is a real one, especially in the division of sports. Though the past students association at Wolmers has not dabbled in the affairs of the school, other schools have not been so lucky.

And with several past students being on the board of some schools, they seem to have the right to dictate certain terms. However Mr. Soares dismisses this saying, "Under the law nobody has the right to dictate conditions or force the board to do anything they may want it to do." He accepts that, "as stakeholders they have a say, but they must not interfere with administration."

But the interference may be disguised in some cases. In instances some groups would focus on the areas in which they had an interest, often dictating how their contributions were to be used. One vice-principal agreed, somewhat cautiously, noting that although the exact figure was not readily available a substantial amount of money did go into the sports programme at her school, simply because sports had the major interest of the association. The sports department was manned entirely by past students who volunteered their time to coach the programmes.

Coleridge Barnett, a retired principal says there has even been occasions where the enthusiasm for the "good old days" when things seemed to run more smoothly, has had some associations dabbling in administrative matters.

"There were some members who would talk about things not being the way they used to," he says, "and there were occasions where they would campaign actively to try to have things restored." Still he says that the vibrancy and support of the associations have been a godsend on numerous occasions.

Principal of Kingston College on North Street in Kingston, Wally Johnson, says while such interference has not been his experience, it is the popular case of the piper calling the tune, where past students would seem to demand involvement especially as they support the school community.

But for many schools the good work of the groups has been overwhelming. Mr Johnson says, "In this school they have been very, very effective."

He points to a total funding of the school's awards and breakfast programmes, and providing furniture and equipment on request. In addition, there is a strong mentorship programme.

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