Education Ministry awaiting report on appointment of Central High chairman

The Ministry of Education says it is awaiting an update on information it requested on the court case against the Chairman of Central High School in Clarendon before making a determination on his appointment.  

The People's National Party (PNP) yesterday called for the immediate removal of Henry Morant amid reports that he is currently on bail for a murder charge.

READ: PNP calls for removal of Central High chairman over murder charge

In a statement today, the ministry underscored that it does not make recommendations for appointments to school boards.

It is guided by the requirements of the Education Regulations which set out the groups and entities that may nominate or elect persons for appointment by the Minister to School Boards, the ministry pointed out.

The ministry is assuring that it is moving towards having the matter addressed in the shortest possible time.

Full Statement 

The Ministry of Education is aware of reports questioning the appointment of the current Chairman of the Board of Management of Central High School in Clarendon.

 The Ministry has requested information on the status of the case before the courts pertaining to the Chairman and will await a full update before making a determination on his appointment.  

The Ministry does not make recommendations for appointments to school boards. It is guided by the requirements of the Education Regulations which set out the groups and entities that may nominate or elect persons for appointment by the Minister to School Boards. One such body is the National Council on Education, which has developed its own guidelines for persons nominated by the Council for appointment to school Boards.

Under the guidelines, prospective board members must be a fit and proper person, meaning someone who is of sound mind and who has not been convicted of an offence under certain legislations, including Offences Against the Person Act; the Child Care and Protection Act; the Sexual Offences Act; or have committed acts of fraud. They also should have attained at least a secondary level education.

To qualify as board chairs, individuals have to attain at least post-secondary/vocational education and gained a minimum of three years’ experience in supervisory management. They should also have a proven record of accomplishment in supervision and management; have a keen interest in education and nation building; and possess excellent negotiating, inter-personal and conflict resolution skills.

The Ministry would like to assure the public that we are moving towards having this matter addressed in the shortest possible time.

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