By Damion Mitchell and George Henry, Gleaner ReportersTHE SPALDINGS High School in Clarendon will not be reopened at the scheduled start of the new school year on September 6, because of poor physical conditions.
Last Thursday, members of the Board of Management decided not to resume classes until a rotting metal framework on the quadrangle where devotions are held, is repaired by the Ministry of Education.
According to board chairman Winston Gilman, the deteriorating metal framework is a hazard to both students and teachers, who would have to use the area daily.
"The quadrangle which is basically made of metal... is in a deplorable condition. In fact, sections of the ceiling have been falling apart for some time now," reported Mr. Gilman.
He said the matter was reported in writing to the Ministry of Education on a number of occasions, since the structure started falling apart in 1996, but to date no reply has been forthcoming regarding repair work.
Contacted recently, Senator Noel Monteith, State Minister in the Ministry of Education said he was unaware of the situation but indicated that he would be examining the matter.
He reported, however, that more than $30 million had been disbursed to the ministry's six regional offices to fund minor repairs to schools islandwide.
In the meantime, Mr. Gilman said the entire roof of the facility was in need of repairs. However, he could not immediately provide an estimate.
Alphansus Davis, principal of Spaldings High, although in support of the board's decision to delay the opening until the quadrangle is repaired, said, "It is going to set us back." He continued: "Depending on how long the delay takes, it is bound to set back the students in terms of their preparations for examinations..."
