CAY Hill:--- Some months ago students that were attending NIPA brought their predicament to the forefront and basically blamed the director of the school Vernon Richards. Richards who was fired on Wednesday caused SMN News to dig deeper and to find out what exactly what is taking place at NIPA, an Advanced Vocational School that is supposed to provide higher education to young adults.
Speaking to some staff members they said in the beginning they thought that Richards was the problem for the stagnation of NIPA ever since it was opened in January 2014. The staff members who spoke to SMN News on the condition of anonymity to safeguard their jobs said they met with the board with their concerns because the school was not serving its purpose and it is only then they realize that Vernon Richards was following orders given to him by the board who was micromanaging the school. The staff said that resources were not given to the school in order for programs to be completed in a timely manner, this they said caused huge drop out leaving many students on the streets.
The concerned staff members said that after the students spoke out Richards decided to make changes so that the school could really function and serve its purpose, thus he installed a committee to assist him in managing the school where they could strive on building the nation since that was the core reason for opening the Advanced Vocational School (NIPA).
“Ever since the director chose to do that the board have been trying to get rid of him because they are no longer getting their way to continue stagnating the school, the board members tried everything possible to cancel the first ever open house which is held today (Thursday June 11th). We have decided to hold this open house to attract the business community because they are needed if NIPA is to achieve its goals, the businesses on St. Maarten have to show their willingness to give students the opportunity to do their job trainings in order for them to complete the courses. While dignitaries such and MP’s have to be there because they are the law makers and NIPA has to work based on the SBO law.” One of the biggest problems NIPA is facing is that the board is not fulfilling its responsibilities in providing much needed resources so that programs could be completed on time, while management of NIPA was fully disorganized.
The staff members said that the open house is taking place today and they are urging everyone to come out because its about building St. Maarten and not about the board members who believe they could hold a school hostage.
SMN News also tried to reach Richards for a comment but he could not be reached since he is now seeking legal advice to go after the board.
SMN News also learnt that the Minister of Education is fully behind the ongoing saga and are looking to bring about a peaceful solution.
