List of primary schools to be closed September, 18 named
The Ministry of Education is to close 18 primary schools come September.
Education Minister, Ronald Thwaites, says the schools are being closed because of their small populations, under performance, high operational costs, among other things.
Thwaites says the rationalisation is intended to achieve greater levels of efficiency in the school system.
He says each school was assessed and consultations held before they were closed.
The education minister says students have been transferred and the education ministry is working with receiving institutions to help with the transition.
He says transportation and food assistance will be provided to students who are in need.
Thwaites says no permanent staff at schools which are to be closed have been negatively affected.
He says the schools which will be closed will be reconfigured for other purposes.
THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED IN SEPTEMBER:
Region One
Bowden Hill Primary - St Andrew West Rural
Tower Hill Primary - East Rural St. Andrew
Clifton Primary - East Rural St. Andrew
Mount James All Age - St Andrew West Rural
Region Two
Black Hill All Age - Portland Western
Belvedere Primary - Portland Western
Pear Tree River Primary - St Thomas Eastern
Preston Hill Primary - St Mary Central
Rose Bank Primary - St Mary Central
Region Three
Alps Primary and Infant - Trelawny Southern
Brittonvale Primary - St Ann South Eastern
Clydesdale Primary - St Ann South Western
Jeffreyville Primary - St Ann South Eastern
Watsonville Primary - St Ann South Eastern
Region Four
Hillsbrook Primary - Hanover Eastern
Region Five
Auchtembeddie Primary and Junior High - Manchester North Western
Hopeton Primary - St Elizabeth South Eastern
Region Six
Hartlands Primary - St. Catherine Central