Whitney School Board Respond To Allegations
The Board of Trustees of Whitney Institute Middle School have responded to allegations contained in a report aired during a ZBM newscast, expressing “deep disappointment that a person or persons in the Whitney family has made these unproven allegations public.”
The news report on Thursday focused on a 3-page document — titled “More Trouble At Whitney Institute Middle School” — which contains a litany of allegations about Whitney Principal Reeshemah Swan, saying there is a “culture of favouritism and nepotism toward certain staff and pupils.”
“The 3-page document from an anonymous group of parents of students at Whitney Institute Middle School, which when read out in full, gives the impression of a school in chaos,” ZBM reported. “According to the document….it is alleged that staff have been arbitrarily removed from their posts and have had their contracts manipulated and terminated without sufficient notice.”
The Whitney Board said they understand the report was given to ZBM by a group of parents, and was drawn from a grievance presented to Whitney by the Bermuda Union of Teachers, which a total of 7 teachers from a staff of 48 signed.
Responding to the report, a statement issued last night from the Whitney Board said, “The Board of Trustees of The Whitney Institute Middle School has heard with concern last night and today’s reports on ZBM News concerning the Whitney Institute.
“It would appear that the substance of the report, allegedly given to ZBM by a group of parents, was drawn from a grievance presented to Whitney Institute Middle School by the Bermuda Union of Teachers.
“It is not clear how it got into the hands of parents or why they provided it to the media when the appropriate approach would have been to first discuss it within the PTA and to seek a discussion with Ms Swan or with the Trustees.
“With regard to the grievance, the Board of Trustees understands that it has been presented to the Principal as required under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and will come before the Trustees in due course. The Board understands that a total of 7 teachers from a staff of 48 have signed the grievance.
“The Board is not prepared to comment on the substance of the grievance because it is our policy to follow due process and respect the privacy of all concerned with regard to employment matters.
“The Board wishes to express its deep disappointment that a person or persons in the Whitney family has made these unproven allegations public. It is entirely inappropriate and extremely damaging to any individual to have these allegations, which are not yet proven, aired in public.
“In the education context, it is equally damaging to have such allegations interrupt the efforts of teachers and administrators as they pursue the goal of educating the children in the school’s care.
“The Board calls on all parties to join with it in working to improve the quality of education delivered to our children instead of engaging in the airing of damaging allegations through the media.
“The Board also notes that several allegations were made concerning the Whitney Institute Middle School Association [WIMSA] concerning frequency of meetings and other matters.
“The Board wishes to reiterate that it fully supports the efforts of WIMSA to be fully involved in the school, welcomes the President of WIMSA to attend board meetings as an ex officio member and welcomes all ideas for ways that parents can be more involved in improving the school.”
“….It is our policy to follow due process.”
If I were the Board of Governors I would be deeply concerned. Parents and teachers don’t have time nor energy to make up these sort of concerns/claims and the fact that they’ve leaked them to the press underlines the high level of frustration. The fact that no teachers, students or parents have publicly stated their support for the Principal clearly indicates that she is not doing a good job at Whitney.
As I agree with your comments; might I add, we the public have been hearing about these frustrations for some time now.
This scenario has played out at a few schools on the island. Look at schools where the principals have been forced out, ‘moved’, or have had to get ‘additional training’ and there you will find that a “culture of favouritism and nepotism toward certain staff and pupils” was running rampant.
Principals are getting younger, are not lasting as long as they used to and are leaving in controversy. Feel free to draw any conclusion as to what you may think about that.
Sounds like a former Premier.
I agree with all comments. Something is going on that has led to this outcry. Whether it is 7 out of 48 or 40 out of 48 signatures, obviously there is unrest and it needs to be addressed ASAP. One must recognize the possibility that it may have been more people but resignations or terminations could have decreased the numbers. Too often people in positions of authority let the “power” make them feel that they can treat people unfairly. This has to stop. This situation is just not isolated at schools, it is encountered in many work environments in Bermuda.
If the past is anything to go by, this principal will be reassigned to MOE
headquarters to join the other (allegedly) failed teachers/ principals.
Another possibility is that a vocal minority are trying to use public pressure to get their way since due process found that there allegations were unfounded.
The public release by the PTA seems to indicate that at least one of the allegations is entirely untrue.
Let’s hope we all hear the final outcome and that this is not just a ‘flash in the pan’
Hmmm… A little bit of power is a very dangerous thing. When the principals banded together and held a vote of no confidence for The former Commissioner of Education, Dr Heatly, they inadvertently cut their own throats. They set a precedent for teachers and parents to follow. Now they are in the hot seat.
I have read enough!! One question…how many of you all Know Ms. Swan?? I do not mean personally..but professionally!! Both of my children attended Whitney.. My oldest (now 21) has read this article and commented…If Ms. Swan went this far things are in bad shape! This woman is a no nonsense individual….but very caring. It is quite obvious many people do not / cannot deal with discipline! Over the years I have heard lots of negative things about this woman. Suck it up people!! If we had more people like her in the school system, we wouldn’t so much dumb s**t going on!! ie the chase and shooting this weekend!! Ms Swan do your thing!!
I agree fully with you! I have been in Ms. Swan’s class, she is a firm believer in discipline! If she is taking measures this far I would look at the staff and the student body in general. Every action has a reaction!
if what I heard is true than more questions should be asked. It appears that the teacher who made the complaint, has unsuccessfully applied for a principal post herself. This same teacher is not very liked not only at Whitney but throughout the Education Department. Maybe she is the one who is causing the issues for Ms Swan and the students at Whitney Middle School.
Having attended the PTA meeting last week, I am not overly impressed. I understand some things are out of the school’s control, but no Social Studies or Spanish teachers after 2 months summer break? We have to do better Whitney! Heck, I’d volunteer 2 weeks teaching Spanish if it means a slightly better future for our students.