THE MINISTRY of Education is seeking to find principals to fill some 40 vacancies in schools in almost every parish by the start of the next school year.
The seemingly large number is not unprecedented, however, according to Paul Adams, president of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA).
He added that unlike teaching vacancies, all principal vacancies are handled directly by the Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Education Region V Director Reuben Gray agreed with Mr. Adams that it is not unusual for there to be so many vacancies advertised during this time of the year. He explained that interviews and appointments of new principals tend to be made three months before the start of the school year in September so that the previous school can receive adequate notice.
In his region, which consists of Manchester, St. Elizabeth and three schools in northwest Clarendon, only one principal is retiring: Verona Ricketts of Porus Primary.
Mr. Gray described her as a very good principal. "She has accomplished much, and she is moving on."
Like Mrs. Ricketts, most of the retiring principals are from primary or all-age schools. Herbert Morrison Technical and Clarendon College are the only high schools on the list.
Mr. Gray further explained that the retirement age for principals is 60, and few actually leave the educational system completely. Many go on to private schools or assist the school in some way.
"Not many of our principals leave us to go anywhere," he said. "They are career professionals. They remain with the work. They go into retirement or move on to a bigger school."
