MARIGOT--Main teacher’s union SE-UNSA voted to call off its threatened five-day strike on Monday at Cité Scolaire, La Savane, but instead has demanded the establishment remain closed for classes until next Monday, to allow contractors and personnel to finish the work, namely finalising the installation of materials, equipment and furnishings.
The brand new 15M-euro educational facility comprising Lycée and Collège opened its doors for the first time Monday to some 700 high school students and 87 Collège pupils for an orientation morning.
The teacher’s union, however, has complained about a number of different issues pertaining to the facility that it says have not been addressed by the Collectivité.
By contrast mainly positive reactions to the building’s design and concept have been expressed by First Vice President Guillaume Arnell and Rectorat’s representative Michel Sanz, Chef du Service for Education in St. Martin and St. Barths.
Only 10 teachers from the 44 that met on Monday voted to proceed with the strike. 14 voted against the strike, 10 did not register a vote and 10 others abstained.
The meeting concluded with teachers deciding to demand pupils stay at home until next Monday so that remaining materials and equipment can be installed.
“The Cité Scolaire resembles an empty shell at the moment,” remarked SE-UNSA spokesperson, Serge Bagat.
He said materials that still needed to be installed included computers, video projectors, books, furnishings and materials for sports.
Cité Scolaire Principal Frantz Gumbs said he would make his decision on whether to close or not tomorrow, Tuesday, after consultation with the Rectorat (Guadeloupe-based school’s administration board).
No classes were planned for Monday or Tuesday.
Meanwhile buses filled with students and many cars descended on the Cité Scolaire from 7:00am on Monday to be welcomed by Michel Sanz, Frantz Gumbs and other administrative staff for the orientation. The convenient roundabout at the far end of the complex meant cars could come in, go around the roundabout, drop off and exit.
Many students from Grand Case were seen making the short walk to Cité Scolaire.
The Lycée and Collège are intended to be separate, each with its own entrances but for the orientation everyone was mixed together. Aside from classrooms and administrative offices there is a communal documentation and information library, canteen and sports facilities.
The school’s restaurant will be functioning normally as of Thursday with three service times; at 11:30am, 12:15pm and 1:00pm. Students have also been given a questionnaire asking if they will use the restaurant and at what times to facilitate the Central Kitchen planning and minimise wastage.
Frantz Gumbs gave students an overview of the Cité Scolaire explaining that it is not completely operational yet. He urged them to respect the new facility and not write on desks or deface walls of the toilets.
Michel Sanz is to give the media a tour of the establishment on Wednesday.
