Mitchell On The Schools In Fox Hill
Statement by Senator Fred Mitchell
On The Status Of Schools In Fox Hill
PLP Caretaker For Fox Hill Constituency
Leader of Opposition Business in The Senate
31 August 2017
For Immediate Release
I have conducted a tour of all the schools that serve the Fox Hill constituency and make the following observations:
Sandilands Primary School
The school appears to be generally ready for occupation for the opening day of school. However, I am concerned about the news that the special reading programme Tune In To Reading has been suspended while the Ministry considers whether to renew the programme. There is also not a Librarian posted at the school. There is a feeling in Fox Hill that resources are being denied the school because of its location. Tune In To Reading is an especially important programme implemented last year through a generous private donation and has helped improve the literacy of the children in Fox Hill. There is also no evidence of the construction of the new Administration Building and Pre-School that the last administration had approved.
- W. Young Junior High
The school needs to be demolished and replaced. Last year, the physical signs of wear and tear led to the collapse of the façade on the administration building. On the day of my visit the air conditioning was not working in the administration block and library or in the teachers’ lounge. I am advised that the school has in fact been condemned. It is a prefab building which has outlived its shelf life. It was the plan of the PLP to replace each of these building in stages, one year at time. I have written the Minister to complain about this, given that he has announced that a new school is to be built in the south New Providence.
Doris Johnson Senior High School
Generally the school is well kept and ready. There is a brand new basketball court left in place by the previous administration. Lights are needed for the court. There is also a need for a running track or at the very least the levelling of the field to allow for athletics training to be done at Doris Johnson. The school needs a new bus.
Conclusion
Some contractors who did work for the Ministry from last year have not been paid.
I am committed to reviewing all of these matters from time to time.
I welcome all principals, teachers and students back to the various schools and thank them for their work.
End