B.H.S. Principal Jamie Usher Let Go After 14 Years
On Wednesday evening, reports began circulating of the termination of Belize High School’s long-standing principal, Jamie Usher. This announcement was confirmed by the Belize Elementary and Belize High School Board which released a statement confirming her parting from the institution, reading, “we thank Mrs. Usher for her thirteen years of service as our High School Principal and for her contribution to the development of our school. We wish her success in her future professional career”. The statement did not specify a reason for the parting of ways; the announcement has had a polarizing effect, particularly on the United Women’s Group which recently released a statement declaring its solidarity with Usher. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Jamie Usher has served as the principal of Belize High School for nearly fourteen years, since the school’s inception in 2010. Since then, Usher has gained international acclaim for championing Belize’s progress in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM).
Jamie Usher
Jamie Usher, Former Principal, B.H.S. (File: October 11th, 2019)
“We are motivated by the fact that we are part of the evolution of technology and science in Belize. So first, we used to teach IT as a subject, then we started using IT by bringing in projectors and then we started using technology with our class. So we would have Google Classroom, Google Drive, different elements, but now behind me, you just witnessed where our students are taking technology and engineering and creating which is really a fantastic transformation when you think about we are no longer teaching what is a mouse, what is a CPU, what is a keyboard. We’re actually telling them use everything that has been built up since elementary school and create something that can solve a problem.”
The departure came as a shock to many, as Usher recently led the Belize High School team to victory at the Annual Global Challenge in Switzerland and had stated further plans to elevate the school’s team.
Jamie Usher
Jamie Usher, Former Principal, B.H.S. (File: October 18th, 2022)
“We already have plans to ramp up ourselves so we are looking for help to get two bigger robots at the hundred and twenty-five pound-level. Because we want them to know that we’re not afraid of remaining competitive and we’re not afraid to level up.”
In a public statement on the matter, Usher stated “I am humbled to have been able to share my talents, gifts, and ideas for just under fourteen years as a RAM. The service to the future of education in Belize has been my passion, and my energies will continue to serve the students of Belize, especially in leadership and robotics. I look forward to the next chapter. I stand proudly behind my commitment to the BHS RAMS Community. Thanks to my husband, children, family, and friends for always motivating me to strive for excellence in everything I do. Thank you to all the parents, of BHS who have messaged to share their words of kindness. Always Team Belize, always a Robotics Enthusiast, and always a STEAM educator. Jamie Usher”.
The United Women’s Group of Belize also spoke up, declaring its stance. A statement released by the group read quote, the news of Usher’s termination deeply saddened and angered the members of the United Women’s Group, who recognize the systemic barriers and biases that often hinder women’s advancement in leadership positions. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking down these barriers and advocating for gender equality in all spheres of society, end quote. The Statement further went on to call upon BHS administration to provide transparency on the matter in order to ensure that fair and equitable treatment of all employees regardless of their gender. No further comment has been given from Usher or the BHS administration at this time. Britney Gordon for News Five.
