Decision on Gwen Liz High’s Lorna McKay coming from T.S.C.
Last year Gwen Lizarraga High School Principal Doctor Lorna McKay was reportedly pushed out of her school. The chair of the board Roosevelt Blades put McKay on disciplinary leave and ever since then she has been fighting back. Well, it seems that a conclusion is near. We received reports that the Teaching Service Commission has ruled on the case but today the C.E.O. would not say what decision was taken. Here’s what Deborah Domingo had to say.
Deborah Domingo, CEO, Ministry of Education
“As far as I am aware, there was a case that was presented to the Belize Teaching Service Commission and the Commission has ruled on the case. The next step will be up to the Board of Management to respond to the feedback from the Belize Teaching Service Commission.”
Reporter
“Are you aware of what that decision was?”
Deborah Domingo
Deborah Domingo
“I am aware but it is not for me to share in this medium.”
Reporter
“You are satisfied as CEO in this case that there was due process?”
Deborah Domingo
“I would not be able to comment on all aspects of the case, that is making the assumption that as the CEO I have tracked every single thing. We have to remember, though, that the Belize Teaching Services Commission was established by the Education and Training Act to be a body that is not under the direction of the Ministry of Education. It has a legal mandate to ensure that the employment conditions are met by proprietors and managing authorities and in the instance there is a disciplinary case that due process is followed. It is for that reason we have done our best to ensure that the Commission is provided with what resources it would need to conduct investigations, maintain its records and to get the legal advice when investigating a case to make sure that the rights of teachers aren’t violated.”
Reporter
“In the previous issue with Dr McKay, can you assure us that this issue hasn’t disrupted school programming, campus – student life, curriculum?”
Deborah Domingo
“Well, I am not certain of the disruption. What I can say that even while Dr McKay was there the school has had its struggles and whether Dr McKay is there or not, I think some of the issues continue. The administration and the Board are working hard to address those in a collaborative manner. What it may have done is to remove focus from the clients, the students, and sometimes when the fight happens outside with the adults the children end up being forgotten. So, I am certain there has to be some implication for the quality of service being offered.”
