Education ministry intervenes in St James High conflict

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has stepped in to address ongoing conflicts within the leadership of St James High School, which led to the institution’s closure on Tuesday. 

Throughout Tuesday, ministry officials held multiple meetings with key stakeholders from the school to find a resolution. However, it remains unclear whether the parties have reached an agreement.

In a statement, Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon emphasised the need for strong governance structures in schools.

“Situations like this make it clear that we must provide greater support in operationalising leadership and governance structures within our schools. A strong and cohesive leadership team is essential for effective school management and, ultimately, student success. Under no circumstances should school leaders be at odds, let alone act in ways that deprive students of a day of learning and a good example of excellence in stewardship,” Morris Dixon stated.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Dr Kasan Troupe reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to restoring stability at St James High.

“The leadership of our schools is pivotal to the success of our education system. When there is disunity at the top, it directly affects students, teachers, and the overall learning environment. The ministry is actively working to resolve this matter and will take the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences,” Troupe said.

Meanwhile, the People’s National Party (PNP) is urging the Ministry to act swiftly to reopen the school and prevent further disruption to students’ education, which has been affected by the ongoing conflict between the board chairman and the principal.

Deputy Shadow Spokesperson on Education and Community Development, Dr Kenneth Russell, condemned the closure, calling it “unacceptable.”

“Disagreements among school leaders should never come at the expense of our children’s education. All parties must put the students first. The school must be reopened immediately while the Ministry works on a lasting resolution,” Russell said.

He also highlighted the broader impact of school closures, noting that they disrupt families and affect national productivity.

“This is more than an education issue — it’s a social and economic concern. School closures force parents to find alternative childcare, which can hinder their ability to work and create economic ripple effects. The ministry must intervene now to ensure students do not continue to suffer due to unresolved disputes among adults,” he added.

The PNP also stressed that the situation highlights the urgent need for school governance reform in Jamaica and called on all stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent further loss of learning time.