LEDEDRA MARCHE

FN News Editor

lededra@nasguard.com

With the exception of work on two government school campuses and minor concern over staffing at two additional institutions, the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) doesn't see any delay in the smooth opening of the 2012/2013 academic year today.

Thousands of students and hundreds of teachers return to the classroom today.

BUT Area Vice President for Grand Bahama Quinton Laroda revealed yesterday that the relocation of the Lewis Yard Primary School to the former St. Vincent de Paul School in Hunters and the work underway at Martin Town Primary in Eight Mile Rock are the only concerns the union has when it comes to school premises.

However, it is aware that the administration at Martin Town has a contingency plan in place.

As far as staffing, Laroda noted that there is some issue at two of the high schools but said it is still too early to say as they may be worked out by the end of the week.

"One or two teachers haven't reported yet but I won't say that's a concern until they come back," he said.

"Most of the schools are ready to go. Up until last week, some work was being done at Lewis Yard and Martin Town, but I anticipate that that wouldn't prevent schools from opening."

As far as school readiness, he revealed that school campuses last year, compared to this year, was better when you consider the last-minute work being done at the Hunters and Eight Mile Rock schools.

Laroda plans to revisit the schools today for an update.

With a new year ahead of them, the BUT executive encouraged administrators and teachers to continue the good work and for there to be cooperation and for the schools to elevate to higher heights.

The BUT executive boasted of the relationship the union has with the administrators in Grand Bahama.

"From time to time we have to buck heads over one or two issues, but over all we have an excellent relationship with the administrators in Grand Bahama," he said.

"What has happened over the years is once we get to understand our roles and what the organization is trying to achieve and the mutual interest of quality education and teacher well-being we've been able to work through issues that once were major milestones we are able to solve them pretty easily now."

Laroda pointed out that what also mitigates a lot of the problems is the relationship between the leadership at the Grand Bahama schools and the superintendents, along with the comraderie he has with Ministry of Education officials in the capital

"Once you have a mutual respect for the relationship, it becomes mutually beneficial as well," said Laroda.