Why schools pulled out of pilot

The three schools that withdrew from a two-week pilot, due to start next Monday, opted out because of logistical, health, and other challenges that would have threatened a smooth restart amid the coronavirus pandemic.

This week’s hiccup came days after Education Minister Fayval Williams revealed that 17 schools comprising nearly 6,000 students had been selected in a test phase as Jamaica appears to be turning the corner in a deadly second wave of the disease.

Tuesday’s about-face represents further evidence that failure to engage in early consultation with education and community stakeholders may have scuttled the initial plan, as some principals called the process “untidy” and haphazard. It also poses new questions over the geoinformatics analysis that informed the process.

Acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr Grace McLean, said on Thursday that the three schools that were drafted in this week were selected from among 73 that were identified from a matrix of demographic variables in a vulnerability index.

“What it means, therefore, is that they would have at least met all the statistical requirements and we just needed to speak to them on the ground to see if there were any variables that we did not consider,” she said.

McLean told The Gleaner that Troy High, located in Trelawny, withdrew because of a slew of COVID-19 concerns, including the underlying illnesses of staff that could make them particularly vulnerable to the virus. Besides challenges with transportation and uniform, parents also cited as an inhibition the short notice period for them to prepare.

Albert Town High, also in Trelawny, was unable to participate because of the long distances students and staff had to travel, McLean said. The November 9 restart was also deemed too narrow a window to reactivate coronavirus protocols.

In addition, administrators at Tranquillity Primary and Infant in Portland reported that weeks of wet weather would hamper preparations.

The three schools that opted out were replaced by Chalky Hill Primary and Moneague Primary and Junior High in St Ann, and Devon Primary in Manchester.

On Wednesday, principal of Chalky Hill, Christine Badal-McBean, told The Gleaner that preparations were on track for the school to meet the deadline to reopen on Monday.

McLean expressed confidence about the restart, saying that “progress has been going exceptionally well in terms of their preparation, and contact with the parents, and how the face-to-face approach will be implemented”.

Ministry officials will meet with the schools on Friday.

“Of course, as true soldiers on the ground, our principals will ensure that everything is fully okay,” McLean added.