Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer
SUTHERMERE PREPARATORY School in St. Andrew will be in operation come September. This was disclosed after a meeting between parents and the administration of the Strathairn Avenue school.
Parents of students of the school have been in turmoil since The Gleaner published a story last week that the school would be closed come September. According to its managing director, Scott Burke, the school would have been closed down due to non-payment of rent, bankruptcy and possible financial irregularities. Teachers at the school have, however, denied claims made by Burke that the school was bankrupt or had not been paying rent. Subsequent checks by The Gleaner have revealed that the property on which the school now operates has been acquired by the Life of Jamaica Winchester Residential Estate.
At the meeting, attorney-at-law of the institution, Althea Mcbean, reassured parents that the school would still be in operation, despite the fact that the property on which the school now operates will not be available by July 31. She described as unfortunate the manner in which the school was sold and how parents were informed. The school, she said, would be forming a new management group to administer the affairs of the school. She also said that the school was in the process of acquiring new premises, but could not disclose the exact location as discussions were not yet complete. "We have advised the parents that the school fully intends to continue, and certain legal processes will have to be put in place for that to go ahead."
INJUNCTION
She also said that an injunction will be sought against Mr. Burke, who is both the beneficiary of the property and the managing director of the school, to ensure that the future of the school is preserved. "In terms of legal processes, an injunction will be sought, to ensure that certain steps are taken, as the school has welfare for over 200 students."
Adelle Brown, chief education officer at the Ministry of Education said that while the ministry is aware of the matter at the school, a meeting will be sought with all parties to further clarify the matter, as a number of sensitive issues surround it. While the school is an independent institution, she disclosed that the policy of the ministry is that it would have to be given a year's notice before a school can cease operations.
