Row over school boards

It all began when Naparima MP Rodney Charles asked about possible effects of a $24 million cut in allocation for primary school repairs (from $62 million last year to $38 million this year), and whether the physical condition of schools impacts on pupils learning? Garcia replied that physical conditions do have an effect and he now hoped the Ministry could hold hands with school stakeholders to get assistance in the upkeep of schools.

Charles said that this might be fine for denominational schools which have school boards and a religious framework, but asked if State schools enjoy such support? Chaguanas East MP Fazal Karim asked how many State schools have boards? Garcia replied, “I can’t say. The system has not been effective. We want to reactivate the school boards at primary and secondary levels to do their mandate.” Mayaro MP Rushton Paray related his role on two schools boards to declare them to be “totally ineffective”, as he complained that school principals are not obligated to heed the advice given by their board. He recalled the futility of his own board’s suggestions to try to guide its principal, relating, “Not a single action was taken”. Saying schools need more parental input, Paray urged Garcia to revise the school board regulations so boards can make a more meaningful contribution.

Chaguanas West MP Ganga Singh added that the boards are a form of devolving power to a local level, even as he lamented the constant closure last year of Chaguanas Government Primary School due to a faulty sewer system. Garcia and Gopeesingh traded words on the state of school disrepair. Gopeesingh then said that under his tenure as former education minister, the former PP government had appointed some 83 school boards at primary and secondary level, adding, “They are there”.

Garcia refuted this and denied the existence of school boards now, saying, “The information you are giving us is not correct.” Gopeesingh retorted, “It is correct! I want to correct a myth, a fallacy being perpetrated in this House. Eighty three school boards were appointed both a primary and secondary levels and were very functional. He (Garcia) has misled the House!” Talking at Garcia, Gopeesingh hit, “Make yourself aware! Don’t point your finger at me!” At that, the Speaker declared, “Couva South! Caroni East!”, and suspended the House for 10 minutes for tempers to cool.