Crawford wants parliamentary debate on school mergers

Opposition Spokesman on Education and Early Childhood Damion Crawford is calling for a parliamentary debate on the Government’s plans to merge and close some schools, arguing that the changes must not compromise children’s constitutional right to access primary education.

Crawford’s call comes against the backdrop of the Ministry of Education’s decision to merge some schools across the island, including the merger of Giddy Hall Primary and Middle Quarters Primary in St Elizabeth and the recent merger of Hydel High School and Cumberland High School in St Catherine.

Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon disclosed earlier this week that the Government is exploring the closure and merger of more schools as it seeks to maximise the use of resources and existing infrastructure.