Police present at St James High, gates padlocked

It would appear that all is not well at St James High School this morning as ancillary staff reportedly turned up to find the gates padlocked and lawmen on the compound.

The STAR spoke with the school's principal, Joseph Williams, who confirmed that he received a phone call about the situation and was making his way to the institution to assess the circumstances.

For months, tensions have simmered at the school, stemming from a contentious relationship between Williams and recently reappointed board chairman Christopher McCurdy.

Despite objections from various stakeholders, including the Parent-Teacher Association, McCurdy was reappointed.

St James High has made headlines over the last year due to governance disputes, with Williams and McCurdy frequently clashing over key decisions. The ongoing discord has raised concerns about the school's leadership stability and overall administrative effectiveness.

In February, verbal dispute on campus that almost turned physical between the two leaders resulted in classes suspended for at least one day at the school.

An "unfortunate breakdown in leadership" has disrupted school operations, the education ministry said, with the portfolio minister later condemning the disruptions.

A ministry team was assigned to address the problems.

- Adrian Frater

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