Minister Chang Pushes for Strong School Leadership

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, has highlighted the importance of effective school leadership in addressing violence and other challenges.

“As we go forward, especially in the very difficult schools, we have to look carefully at the leadership,” he said.

“From the chairman to the critical support staff… we are going to have to look at [everything] on a broader scale. Leadership is crucial in overcoming the challenges in schools,” he added.

Dr. Chang, who was addressing a meeting with school administrators at the Iberostar Resort in Lilliput, St. James on May 17, said there might be need for a review of how chairpersons for school boards are selected.

He noted that the emphasis has always been on the role of principals but argued that “a principal needs a good chairman to make a school function well”.

Dr. Chang referenced two cases in his St. James North Western constituency where strong leadership is playing a key role in improving student performance.

“I looked at my two schools where the chairman and principal worked together in one and that school is now among the best-performing schools. The other school only got a new principal recently, and [this] is beginning to make a big difference,” he said.

“We cannot afford to overlook the importance of leadership in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff. It is imperative that we take a proactive approach to tackling violence in our schools and fostering a culture of respect and safety,” Dr. Chang added.