MoE tells principals filling vacancies, indiscipline

The Education Ministry is focusing on filling vacancies promptly, managing indiscipline in schools and increasing parental engagement in the new academic year beginning in September.

On Wednesday, over 125 secondary school principals and 18 school supervisors were briefed on these plans when they attended an event titled Leadership in Motion, Action Plan Forum, which was hosted by Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath and members of the senior executive team.

“Topics discussed included staffing and vacancy management, infrastructure improvements, school security, promotional procedures, and enhancing communication channels between the Ministry and school leadership,” a release from the ministry said.

The ministry said the meeting was designed to share its strategic vision, solicit constructive feedback and promote meaningful collaboration in support of strengthening the national education system.

It said priority initiatives for the academic year 2025/2026 include the creation of a universal screening and development tracking system, strengthening TVET Education, developing teachers and administrators, creating homework centres, and strengthening school nutrition and cafeteria policies.

The introduction of digitally enhanced AI-generated textbooks, a human resource management curriculum, and assessment reform, as well as infrastructure and resource enhancements, were also deemed important.

Dowlat urged principals and school supervisors to adopt a proactive and values-based approach to school leadership. He said in today’s world, the ability to communicate effectively with society is not optional.

“You are the bridge between the education system and the communities we serve,” he said.

“As principals and school supervisors, your leadership extends beyond the walls of the school…Let us commit to building schools that speak to society not only through results, but through dialogue, partnerships, and shared purpose.”

Permanent Secretary Claudelle McKellar urged principals and supervisors to be more than just guardians of schools, “but also the visionaries who must help translate national educational policies into meaningful daily experiences for our children.”

“It is your blend of leadership and pragmatism that will bridge the gap between strategy and practice, ensuring that ideas become impact,” he stated.

Meanwhile, T&T Secondary Schools Parent Support Group president Rachiel Ramsamooj commended Dowlath for engaging in dialogue with principals.

However, she said based on the ministry’s priority list, she was unsure about the details and called for a comprehensive plan. She noted that school violence should be a top priority and supports the filling of vacancies and reform of the ministry.

Ramsamooj also called for support for special needs students and “the textbook policy, while commendable in its shift toward affordable and accessible digital formats, overlooks a major issue: many students still do not have access to devices.”

The parent support group president also hopes that future consultations will actively include pre- and primary schools, as well as parental representation, to ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to educational reform.