Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter

The remains of the Industrial Arts Department at the Donald Quarrie High School in east Kingston. Flood waters from storm surges associated with Hurricane Dean damaged the department and equipment. Six classrooms also sustained damage. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Most schools are expected to be in a general state of readiness for the resumption of classes today, according to Maria Jones, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth.

Schools were set to reopen on September 3, but the resumption date was pushed back because of Hurricane Dean and the rescheduling of the general election.

But Jones yesterday sought to assure the nation that, despite the challenges created by Dean, the majority of the 1,100 schools islandwide should reopen today.

"In almost all cases, we are satisfied with the level of readiness," said the Permanent Secretary. "But, you have to remember that there was a hurricane, so I could never stand here and say to youthat we expect a 100 per cent perfect (resumption)."

Hurricane Dean, which lashed the island last month, damaged some 350 schools. Repairs were estimated at $700 million.

Jones said yesterday even these schools should be opening their doors today.

"Those schools which had buildings affected by the hurricane, they might not be able to take in all the students on the first day," she told The Gleaner. "They will take in whatever grades they can. Considering that there are approximately 1,100 schools, we are really talking about a minute number of schools. We are not even talking about 10 per cent or even five per cent."

The Gleaner yesterday visited a number of schools in the Corporate Area which were carrying out last-minute preparations for today's opening.

Workers at the Jamaica Public Service Company were seen restoring power to Donald Quarrie High School in east Kingston for the first time since Dean. A teacher said classes would restart on a phased basis, reiterating a report carried in The Gleaner last week.

At John Mills Primary and Junior High School, Ruth-Ann Bailey, a grade five teacher, could be seen cleaning up her classroom in preparation for today's opening.

"I don't think we are going to start teaching tomorrow (today)," she said. "But, I am keeping my fingers crossed that things will happen tomorrow."

Workmen were also on the compound carrying out repairs to the windows, canteen and bathrooms.

Meanwhile, teachers at the Rollington Town Primary and the Windward Road All-Age schools told The Gleaner that they were prepared for today's reopening.

dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com