Teachers Raise Safety Concerns at Pares Secondary in Letter to Education Ministry

A group of teachers at Pares Secondary School has written to the Ministry of Education requesting urgent intervention over what they describe as serious administrative, leadership and safety concerns at the institution.

The letter, dated March 10 and addressed to Education Minister Daryll Matthew, Permanent Secretary Ena Dalso-Henry and Director of Education Clare Brown, outlines a series of complaints relating to the management structure of the school and the security of staff and students.

The teachers state that the issues they identified have created what they describe as an unsafe and strained working environment and have affected confidence in the leadership structure at the school.

Among the concerns raised in the document are allegations of what the teachers describe as a pattern of micromanagement, despite the presence of two deputy principals whose roles include assisting with administrative and operational responsibilities. The letter claims that this approach has resulted in confusion and inefficiencies within the school’s management structure.

The teachers also raised concerns about what they describe as a breakdown in the established chain of command, stating that some matters are escalated outside the school without following internal administrative procedures. The letter further alleges that communication practices have sometimes bypassed the normal reporting structure within the institution.

The document also refers to tensions between staff and the administration, claiming that some teachers who raise concerns feel they are met with dismissive responses and that certain conflicts involving staff and students remain unresolved.

Another issue highlighted in the letter involves what the teachers describe as the use of unofficial intermediaries to communicate directives within the school, a practice they say can lead to misunderstandings and inconsistent messaging among staff.

A significant portion of the letter focuses on safety within the school compound. According to the teachers, requests for stronger security measures have been raised since September 2025 but have not been adequately addressed.

The teachers claim that incidents reported on the compound have included students bringing weapons to school, smoking on the premises and engaging in inappropriate behaviour during school hours.

They also referenced a stabbing incident that reportedly occurred at the school on March 9, which they say has intensified concern among staff and highlighted the need for stronger safety protocols.

The letter states that the teachers’ union has since become involved in the matter because of the seriousness of the concerns raised.

In their request to the Ministry of Education, the teachers called for an investigation into the school’s administrative practices, a review of adherence to the chain of command and the immediate implementation of stronger security measures, including routine bag checks and other safety protocols.

The teachers also asked for a formal review of the school’s safety policies and disciplinary procedures, along with clear directives reinforcing proper communication channels and leadership responsibilities within the institution.

The letter concludes by stating that intervention from the Ministry is necessary to restore professionalism, accountability and safety within the school environment.

The document was signed “Distressed Teachers (Pares Secondary School).”

The Ministry of Education had not publicly responded to the concerns raised in the letter up to the time of publication.

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