Row over teachers

By ELIAS LARI
MORE than 100 schools run by the Catholic Church in Western Highlands are yet to begin classes because of a row with education authorities over the appointment of teachers.
Catholic Education Board chairman Joe Yaga confirmed yesterday that 80 elementary schools, 32 primary, two vocational, one high and one secondary school would remain closed unless the provincial education board reviewed the appointments of teachers it made.
“Church education agencies are partners in the unified education system and make their recommendations to the PEB (on the appointment of teachers) but they were not considered by the appointment committee,” Yaga said.
“So we are in the dark, and teachers are also waiting for the provincial education board to clarify their postings.” Teaching Service Commission Highlands regional adviser Basil Murian had raised the issue in a letter to the commission’s head office in Port Moresby on Jan 31 saying the PEB should review the appointments it made.
He called for more consultation between the agencies running the schools and the education authorities on such matters.
The National tried to get comments yesterday from PEB chairman Lawrence Pena and provincial education adviser Nokks Kiap.
Yaga said appointments were supposed to have been done according to the Teachers Service Commission Act (1988).
Schools around the country are into the second of the first term and Yaga said it was disappointing that students in the 116 schools were not be able to attend classes because of the row over the teachers.
He said all members of the appointment committee were not present when the posting for teachers was made.
The appointment committee is made up of education technical officers, representatives of church agencies, secretaries and the PNG Teachers Association representatives.
He said it was why Catholic-run schools had to postpose the start of the school year.
Yaga said the manner in which the appointments were made was unfair and urged the PEB to review the decision.
“We will be seeking legal action if our concern is not considered by the PEB,” she said.
“It was a one-man decision which the parties were not part of.”