BOAs in quandary about school jobs

The long-term contracts of over 400 BOAs I assigned to primary schools (initially school clerical officers) are currently in a state of “suspension”. Initially, it was discussed that BOAs would either be retained for another three years or the position would be made permanent.

At present, however, BOAs have been put on a six-month contract.

According to this contract, they are not entitled to any leave whatsoever, ie, sick, personal, bereavement, vacation or maternity, and salaries are paid two and three months late. This should be investigated.

There are claims that the Ministry of Education stated that all positions for BOAs in the primary school system would soon be considered vacant and advertised in the newspapers in the near future. As a result, all BOAs will have to reapply and there is no guarantee these officers will retain their positions.

BOAs consider this to be a slap in the face.

They have been in the position for a number of years. They have become professionals with the experience to carry out their jobs and do in many cases exceed expectations.

They work very hard and are willing to go the extra mile to get any job done. Their appraisals speak of their performance, commitment and dedication which have proven that they are assets within the primary school system and to the Government.

It is frightening to think that what may be happening is an unemotional decision to remove them from their jobs during this economic downfall when employment is challenging to acquire.

This would be downright inhumane. Just as everyone else, BOAs have rent/mortgage, loans and other bills to pay, and children to support.

Reappointment isn’t the only problem.

BOAs have yet to receive gratuity owed to them for the periods 2011 to 2013 and 2013 to 2016.

I am calling on Education Minister Anthony Garcia to address these two issues immediately.

As a former school principal and president of TT UTA, he knows the importance of having BOAs in schools and why it is paramount to renew the long-term contracts of existing BOAs until Cabinet can convert them to permanent public officers.

BOAs are awaiting his positive response as soon as possible.

Audrey Clarke Port-of-Spain