A PHYSICAL confrontation between two senior female administrators at the Penwood High School in Olympic Gardens, St. Andrew, has left the institution in turmoil.
Reports are that about three weeks ago, there was an altercation in the school's cafeteria during which the assistant bursar was slapped in the face several times by the senior guidance counsellor. The incident occurred during the lunch hour and was witnessed by scores of students.
REPORTED TO THE POLICE
The matter was reported to the police, but several days before it was scheduled to come up for mention in court, thugs visited the assistant bursar's home and smashed the front and rear windscreen of her car. A message was communicated to her that if she choose to contest the matter in court, she and her 11-year-old daughter would be killed.
Since then, the situation has worsened. Allegations are that the assistant bursar has received death threats, resulting in several teachers, including the school's principal, Austin Burrell, declining to comment on the matter. Further allegations are that thugs from the area have been making frequent visits to the school.
Contacted yesterday, chairman of the school board, Lola Ramocan, said the incident has impacted negatively on students. "Members of the board met on Wednesday evening and the matter was referred to the Personnel Committee. The procedure is for the matter to be sent to an inquiry, where a decision will be made."
Dorrett Campbell, director of communications at the Ministry of Education, told The Gleaner yesterday that the ministry would only intervene if the situation moved out of the board's jurisdiction. "The ministry will be monitoring the situation," she emphasised.
Dr. Grace Kelly, president of the Association of Guidance Counsellors, said the association was unaware of the incident but noted that it was embarrassing. She said fighting in schools by administrators is ethically wrong.
