Concerns about transfers of principals

The transfer of principals at the start of the new school year is nothing new, and those affected this time around will simply have to adapt.

That was the response of Education Minister Santia Bradshaw to reports of frustration in some corners over last minute transfers that occurred as schools prepare to reopen next week under unprecedented circumstances.

So incensed are some people by the changes that an online petition has been created, attempting to prevent Deighton Griffith principal Anthony Alleyne from being removed.

While clarifying that such changes were under the remit of the Chief Education Officer, Bradshaw said she expects that principals would adapt.

“I am not responsible for the transfer of principals. That is a matter for the Chief Education Officer,” she told journalists at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex today.

“What I will say however is that change is always difficult for people to come to grips with, but just as ministers have to adapt to changes in ministries, we expect that leaders of institutions across the board, whether at the corporate level or across our public institutions will also be able to do the same.

“I am confident that wherever our principals are transferred to, or acting principals or teachers have to go, that they are a competent group of individuals that will be able to hit the ground running. So I expect great things from a number of persons who the transfers have been put in place for,” Bradshaw added.

The education minister did acknowledge going forward that the moves ought to be made, but noted principals have no reasonable expectation of remaining at institutions indefinitely.

“That is part of the profession and I think if you speak to most principals,  they would understand and appreciate that fluidity as well.

“I think we really have some really good principals in the system as well, and I think there are some schools that will benefit from the transfer of these principals, and I look forward to seeing what they are able to do at the other institutions,” Bradshaw added. (KS)