David Rose school abuse case – Disciplinary action hearing by TSC to conclude within 10 days – Education Minister

The disciplinary process involving two teachers accused of mistreating a student at the David Rose Special Education Needs School is expected to be concluded within the next 10 days, according to Education Minister Sonia Parag, who provided an update on the matter via social media on Friday, revealing that the Education Ministry has already submitted its investigation file to the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) for consideration and action.
Last week, two teachers from the David Rose Special Education Needs School were seen abusing students on camera, sparking widespread public concern. Parag stated in her update on the matter that information provided by the commission indicates that the matter will be addressed in a timely manner. The Minister stated in her update on the matter that information provided by the commission indicates that the matter will be addressed in a timely manner. “The teaching service commission has advised that the disciplinary hearing process should be concluded within the next ten days.
The Ministry will continue to cooperate fully with the commission and provide any additional information required to facilitate the timely completion of the proceedings.” The Minister also made it clear that the wider public must understand the important role played by the TSC when it comes to exercising disciplinary control over teachers. “It is important for the public to understand that while the Ministry of Education is responsible for the management and oversight of the education system, the authority to appoint, exercise disciplinary control over and remove teachers employed in non-board schools rests with the Teaching Service Commission.”
“Article 209(1) of the constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana provides that, subject to the constitution, ‘the power to appoint persons as teachers in the public service, and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices, shall vest in the Teaching Service Commission.’ As such, the commission is the constitutional body empowered to determine the disciplinary proceedings arising from this matter.”
According to the Minister, steps have also been taken to strengthen oversight and governance at the institution. A Board of Governors has now been established for the David Rose Special Education Needs School, with representation that includes parents, to enhance accountability, supervision and engagement between the school and the families it serves.
The Minister also reaffirmed that her office is working closely with the family to ensure that the affected student receives the support necessary for his well-being, recovery and continued learning in a safe environment. Providing further updates, the Minister noted that during her first visit to the school on May 29, she personally met with affected parents, guardians and the head teacher.
“The purpose of that visit was to listen directly to the concerns of families, offer reassurance that the matter would be treated with the utmost seriousness and ensure that immediate support mechanisms were put in place for the student affected.” Since then, the Education Ministry has also met with members of staff at the school, the executive of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and the wider PTA body as part of efforts to gather information, strengthen communication and ensure that all stakeholders remain fully engaged in the process.