Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
SEVERAL DISGRUNTLED teachers at the Melrose Primary and Junior High School in Kingston protested yesterday against what they say is an ineffective and disrespectful administration.
"We have had some long-standing issues; we have been disrespected by the principal and the board ," explained one teacher who requested anonymity.
The teachers say they are fed up and have no confidence in the board because it is "pro-principal", and as such they are calling for the resignation of the board chairman.
MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
But Jennifer Lee, principal of the school, said the teachers protested because an investigation is currently under way which involves the misappropriation of funds by one of their colleagues.
Mrs. Lee explained that after she returned from leave, the books were checked and it was revealed that there were discrepancies.
She said money was taken from the canteen and the tuck shop and was placed in an account bearing the names of four teachers.
The principal said this is illegal as Ministry of Education regulations stipulate that only members of the board have the authority to sign off on any spending.
She noted that the matter was reported to the board and the ministry, and the board requested a report from the persons involved. She said the request was flatly rejected as "they say it is a 'fool fool' board".
The principal told The Gleaner that the bursar reported that money from school funds had been used to buy items for the tuck shop but the funds were not forthcoming.
She said a memorandum was sent to the teacher requesting a meeting. The memorandum, she noted, angered the teachers, who then began demonstrating.
MEETING SCHEDULED
But the teachers are contending that the demonstration had nothing to do with the mismanagement of funds.
They agreed that there was an issue with the account, which was opened but noted that the matter had been dealt with as instructions were given to the teachers involved and procedures were followed.
The teachers said that after the matter had been settled, memoranda were still being sent out accusing the teacher of stealing funds.
A meeting is scheduled for today with Ministry of Education officials, the teachers and
members of the school board.
The teachers told The Gleaner that if the matter is not settled, there will be no classes tomorrow.
