Mark Beckford and Marlon Vickerman, Gleaner Writers
Students participate in summer school classes at the Suthermere Preparatory School in St. Andrew, yesterday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
MORE THAN 50 angry parents converged on the grounds of the Suthermere Preparatory School yesterday morning, bewildered at a decision to close the school at the end of July.
The Gleaner had reported yesterday that the St. Andrew school would cease operations month-end, according to Managing Director Scott Burke. Mr. Burke, whose family owns and operates the institution, maintained that the school was closing due to non-payment of rent, bankruptcy and possible financial irregularities.
Several parents expressed disgust at the manner in which the news of the school's closure was announced. They said they had received booklists, vouchers and other necessities for their children to return to school in September and were upset that they were just learning of this.
TOTALLY UNAWARE
Robert Mattocks, parent of a third grader, said he was shocked at the news. He said he, along with most parents, was totally unaware that the school was in financial straits.
"Well to be honest, most of the parents were disgruntled with the fact that they had already paid school fees and bought textbooks already like myself," he said. "It is really frustrating! Most schools have already completed their registration process ... and with the school being shut down on the 31st of July, what time period do you have to get your child enrolled in another school?"
Yasmin Peru, mother of two children currently enrolled at the school, said the news of the school's closure was distressing.
TEACHERS DISTRAUGHT
Teachers at the institution also said they were surprised by the impending closure. Vice-Principal Eugene Rose said that, up until the story appeared in The Gleaner, staff was unaware of the shutdown. She said the teachers, some of whom have been teaching there for more than 20 years, stand to lose their jobs and are distraught at the news. Ms. Rose also said that they would be speaking to the relevant authorities to seek some redress.
She, however, noted there had been rumours circulating that the property at which the school now operates had been sold to the Life Of Jamaica (LOJ) Winchester residential estate.
Rohan Miller, LOJ vice-president of investments, confirmed the company would be acquiring the property. "LOJ is in the process of acquiring the school and it would be a further extension of the Winchester estate residential development," Mr. Miller said.
The Suthermere Preparatory School has been in operation since 1920.
