Teachers at the C. V. Bethel High School could be seen sitting outside of the gates of the school’s campus on Wednesday afternoon.  The action came after a teacher was threatened while intervening in a fight between students on Monday.

According to the teachers they have raised their concerns about their safety on campus with school officials.   They also say altercations have increased and there is a threat of gang activity on the campus.

Director of Education, Dominique McCartney-Russell spoke with ZNS News about the protest.  She said, “we had 29 teachers who went to their classes and the other actually sat out.  As a result of that administrators had to step in and settle the school which they were able to.  The Principal would have met with the Shop Steward and indicated to the Shop Steward to go through the grievance process, give the grievance in writing.  It is hope that they will meet with the teachers, give the Principal the opportunity, per the grievance policy and process, the opportunity to address their concerns.”

McCartney-Russell also informed that there is a contingency plan should the teachers continue to protest.  “If they are not satisfied, however, the process also allows for it to escalate to the district level and then of course to the ministry level.  We normally would send a mediator to the school.  We would have sent a team member there to support the effort and it is our hope that after meeting with the Principal that they would iron out those issues and we’ll be able to, you know, maximize the opportunities for children.”