A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has welcomed Education Minister Sonia Parag’s assurance that J.E. Burnham Primary School will not close, but is calling for written confirmation that it will continue operating as a primary school and for details of proposed construction.
In a statement issued last evening, APNU described the assurance as a victory for the Kitty school community and its advocacy, while urging the Ministry of Education to clarify how plans for nursery and secondary facilities would affect pupils and teachers.
Kiskadee Watch reported on October 19 that Parag had denied plans to close the school and said consultations with parents were ongoing.
“There is no closure,” the minister said, outlining proposals for a nursery facility to accommodate growing numbers of nursery-age children and a separate block for secondary students. She did not provide project costs, construction dates or arrangements for students during the works.
APNU said it welcomed investment in educational facilities but wanted certainty about the continued operation of J.E. Burnham Primary.
“Parents deserve certainty about where their children will learn, how construction will be managed and what measures will protect teaching time and student safety,” the party stated.
It called on the ministry to provide written confirmation that the school would remain operational as a primary institution, publish development plans, costs and a construction timetable, and explain arrangements for pupils and teachers during any works.
The party also sought meaningful consultation before decisions were finalised and preservation of the school’s name, identity and place in the Kitty community.
APNU said it had opposed the proposed closure and called for any decision to be suspended pending consultation with parents, teachers, students and residents.
It said it had highlighted the disruption and additional expenses families could face after purchasing uniforms, books and other supplies for the school year.
“The minister’s subsequent assurance now gives the community a public commitment against which the government can be held accountable,” APNU said.
The party pledged to scrutinise the ministry’s plans and hold it to that commitment.
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