Too many acting principals in our schools

THE EDITOR: The large number of primary school principals who are not yet confirmed in their posts has come as a surprise to Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT). My colleagues and I, who were in attendance in Parliament on December 17, 2004, were shocked to learn that only 35 principals in the 121 Catholic Primary Schools in the country were confirmed in their posts. The other 85 schools are being headed by senior teachers, many of whom have acted as principal for years. A similar situation exists in the Maha Sabha Primary Schools. This revelation was made in the Parliament Chamber when representatives from the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) and selected individuals who had submitted written memoranda in respect of the Teaching Service Commission were being examined by the Joint Select Committee headed by Professor Ramesh Deosaran.

It should be noted that many acting principals do not get the recognition and respect due to them because some parents, students and staff members regard them as temporary school heads who may be replaced at any time in the future. What is also surprising is that many of the principal posts are being re-advertised even though the Teaching Service Commission has already interviewed some of the acting principals of the affected schools. According to reliable information reaching CBTT, some of these acting principals received more than 75 marks in the interview. There were instances in the past when principals retired after having acted for years, which meant that their retirement benefits were not commensurate with the last position they held at their school.

While a Bachelor of Education degree is now an important criteria to become a primary school principal, special consideration should be given to capable, efficient and exemplary senior teachers who have been acting long before the BEd became a requirement to become principal. The Joint Select Committee is doing justice to education in the country because its members are bringing out many ills that affect our students, teachers and principals. CBTT supports the Education Ministry because it is a great institution in this country. However, it is necessary for the ministry to act quickly and decisively in the best interest of education. Taking four and five years to determine whether an acting principal should be confirmed is not the way to go.

HARRACK BALRAMSINGH
President, CBTT
La Romaine