Kellits High School in Clarendon to be Expanded

Construction of a two-storey block, consisting of five classrooms and sanitary facilities, along with other amenities, will begin this term at the Kellits High School in Clarendon, thus increasing the number of classroom spaces by 200.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Maria Jones said that the works to be undertaken formed part of a larger programme, which seeks to increase and improve infrastructural facilities at public schools across the island.
“Kellits is only one (school) within an entire major programme of school expansion and construction in which the Ministry is engaged at this time, as we are moving full steam ahead in all aspects of the transformation,” she explained.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking at the signing of a contract between the Government and Alfrasure Structures and Roofing Limited, the contractors, at the Ministry’s Heroes Circles office on September 19.
Mrs. Jones noted that the expansion, which would cost the Ministry $21 million, is aimed at addressing the issue of overcrowding in schools in the parishes of St. Catherine and Clarendon.
The project, which will begin in October, is expected to be completed within the next school term.
In her remarks, Principal, Kathleen Edwards said that she was pleased with the expansion works that are to be undertaken, as this would serve to enhance the teaching and learning environment for both teachers and students.
“We will use the facilities efficiently and effectively.and whatever money is expended on this project will be positively valued and you will see the fruits from the students that we will turn out in Jamaica,” she asserted.
Currently, the Kellits High School operates a double shift system with an attendance of 1,100 students. On completion, the school is expected to return to its previous operation, that of a single shift system. It will also be able to accommodate students who have physical disabilities.
Two years ago, the school received a science laboratory from the Ministry of Education and Youth.Some 300 schools will undergo repairs under the Education Transformation Project, during this academic year.
Of that number, 84 will be repaired this school term at a cost of $94.5 million.