Kingston Tech principal suspended

Principal of Kingston Technical High School Maulton Campbell has been suspended from the institution following an audit report, concerns over a hiring decision, and a formal complaint submitted by a board member.

Campbell was suspended effective immediately on November 26, pending the outcome of further investigations.

In a letter from the school’s board of management informing him of the suspension, the board noted that the action was further to its deliberations regarding the directive issued to retable the Ministry of Education. Skills Youth and Information’s summer school audit report. It also followed the Teaching Service Commission’s response to Campbell’s request arising from the board’s decision in the hiring of the vice-principal, Dr Karla Boswell-Lewis.

The board has also considered an additional written complaint submitted by board member Ellen Douglas.

The school board outlined that it was done in accordance with Section 60, Subsection 1 and 2 of the Education Act, which states that a teacher at a public educational institution against whom the board intends to take disciplinary action, may be suspended from duties by the board of the institution until the matter is determined.

Moreover, where a teacher is suspended from duties under paragraph 1, the minister may, on the recommendation of the board of the institution, withhold such portion of salary not exceeding one-fourth, as he may determine. Furthermore, if it is decided at the enquiry that the changes in respect of which he was suspended were not proved, then he shall be entitled to be paid the portion of his salary that was withheld.

In addition to surrendering all school-related passwords, credentials, and access codes, the letter, which was signed by Board Chairman Francis Reid, also stated that Campbell was to be escorted by the chairman, bursar and an appointed board member to collect his personal belongings from the school compound.

He was also barred from entering the school premises, systems, or engaging in any school-related duties, unless authorised in writing by the board.

Campbell has also been prohibited from speaking to the media regarding the matter or any related issues.

When contacted by The Gleaner, Campbell, who has served as head of the institution since 2019, said he has engaged the services of an attorney and was advised not to speak on the matter.

Reid also declined comment on the suspension, telling The Gleaner that the matter is under active investigation.

Mark Malabver, president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, said the organisation is aware of the suspension but was not in a position to provide any further details.

However, he said the JTA took issue with the actions surrounding Campbell’s suspension.

“The manner in which it was done is something that we believe is utterly disrespectful to the office of the principal. He was unceremoniously escorted off the campus in clear sight of students, teachers, as well as visitors, and that was absolutely disrespectful of the office. It was most embarrassing,” he said.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com