President of the Bahamas Educators Counselors and Allied Workers Union (BECAWU), Sandra Major shared her concerns about the state of education with ZNS News on Monday.

Major said, “we know that when school opens teachers will still not be in place as they wait for their allowances to move, that’s a concern for us. And there is also concern that all of the vacancies will still not be filled. I was informed by education that there is another exercise.”

Director of Education, Dominique McCartney-Russell recently confirmed that 55 teacher vacancies currently exist in the public education system. She said they are actively working to fill those positions and that retired teachers will assist in the interim as they have done before.

The BECAWU President said, “hiring teachers needs to be done earlier because teachers can’t move until they have things in place. So that’s our greatest concern.”

Major also addressed safety on school campuses. Earlier this year the Principal of McLean’s Town Primary School was hospitalized after being physically assaulted by the relative of a student. The education ministry has since announced its intent to beef up security on school campuses. There are plans for student identification cards and for visitors to be escorted while on campus. “If the initiatives that they are saying are put into place we’ll feel much safer,” Major said.

Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin and the education director have both spoken of a polytechnic school opening this school year. Major said, “I keep emphasizing that not all children learn the same way and we have to diversify the education system to include everybody. They keep talking about including everybody in the education system. Make it that the children who is good with their hands is recognized for just that, being good with their hands.”

Public schools are expected to open on September 1st.