The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE first day of school went well on Grand Bahama, with no major complaints or classroom issues reported at any of the public schools on Wednesday.

Principal Ivan Butler reported a very smooth first day at the Eight Mile Rock High School, where some major renovations were carried out this summer.

“We welcomed seventh and 10th graders, and I can report that school went extremely well today,” Mr Butler said.

“Major renovation work at EMRHS has been completed and we are occupying the building where we had an issue with mould, pigeon faeces, and a leaky roof. We are pleased with the work that has been done and I do believe we have addressed the issues.”

Mr Butler also reported that there is a full complement of teachers on staff, with the exception of a few science and technical teachers.

Quinton Laroda, area vice president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers, said he had received no complaints so far from teachers about school repairs.

However, he reported that teacher shortages were expected in Grand Bahama.

“I know that there would be some shortages because I do know that just a few weeks ago some teachers handed in resignation letters, and then there are some teachers who are scheduled for retirement in September.

“When schools closed they would have been on the school roster and so they would have been expected back for the first week of school, and then their retirement would take effect after,” he explained.

Mr Laroda reported that the only concern he has received is about the vetting process, and a new requirement that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must sign off on documents of all newly hired and returning expatriate teachers.

“We have gotten no complaints about the physical plant of any school as yet, but I expect to meet with our shop stewards to get a full report of everything concerning schools here on Grand Bahama,” he said.

Several calls were made to Mary Cooper, superintendent of schools at the Ministry of Education, but she did not return calls up to press time on Wednesday.