Security issues surface at Sandys middle school
Concerns were raised during an emergency PTA meeting at Sandys Secondary Middle School this week about the safety of students and staff.
The Royal Gazette was present at the gathering on Wednesday evening when it was revealed there had been an incident at the school on December 5 that prompted unease.
After about 20 minutes in attendance, the Gazette reporter was asked to leave — and complied.
The Bermuda Police Service confirmed that an investigation into the matter has commenced, but provided no further comment.
One teacher at the PTA meeting said: “This school is not safe. It’s not safe for the teachers and if it’s not safe for us, it’s not safe for your children."
The incident, which the Gazette has decided not to report in detail, is believed to have led to a string of teacher sick-outs at Sandys over the past two months.
Officers from the Department of Education were drafted in to cover for absent teachers.
The Ministry of Education and the school board confirmed yesterday that “the majority of staff” had returned to work and that lessons had “fully resumed”.
A spokeswoman for the ministry told the Gazette: “The majority of students and staff have returned and classes are proceeding safely and without disruption.
“The wellbeing and education of our students and staff remain the highest priority. The school is committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all.
“We appreciate the mentor teachers and the Department of Education officers who provided assistance and support.
“We sincerely appreciate the co-operation and support of parents and the school community as we uphold the highest safety and education standards.”
The Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Bermuda Police Service and the Ministry of Education were said to be involved in the matter, which has been referred to expedited arbitration. A tribunal hearing is scheduled for February 21.
The teacher said at the meeting: “Sandys has a culture that is dangerous. It is dangerous for your children, it is dangerous for the staff members.
“Unfortunately, there is a culture where disciplinary matters are not handled effectively, they are not handled in a timely manner and they are not handled with the seriousness that they deserve.
"This is the culture we are advocating to fix, and it is not safe.
“All we’re advocating for is that we follow the [Ministry of Education] code of conduct. There are codes in place written in black and white.
“All we need to do is follow the code of conduct. This is what we've been advocating for every step along the way.
“We have been in communication with our principal and the board every step along the way.”
A separate source close to the school said that there have been calls for the board to amend school policy since the incident.
One parent at the meeting told the Gazette: “We're very upset — very upset.
“We’re just very confused because we’re only now being told what’s been happening. It’s our first time that we’ve been told what’s been happening about events in December.
“The board feels they’ve done all they have to do. Whatever the board decides after their investigation will be the ultimate decision.”
A union source underscored the importance of “protecting and valuing teachers for the improvement of the public school system and overall wellbeing of the students”.
The Bermuda Union of Teachers declined to comment.
• To view the 2003 Ministry of Education Code of Conduct, see Related Media
• On occasion The Royal Gazette may decide to not allow comments on a story that we deem may inflame sensitivities. As we are legally liable for any libellous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers
