Expansion Urged as Jamaican High School Struggles with Overcrowding
Desmond Harrison, a local councillor in Christiana, Manchester, has called for urgent expansion of Christiana High School to alleviate overcrowding. Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for a new classroom block at Holmwood Technical High School, Harrison highlighted the growing student population in the area and the need for additional classrooms to accommodate the influx of students.
The construction of the four-storey classroom block at Holmwood Technical High School, with an estimated cost of $185 million, was seen as a positive step toward addressing the overcrowding issue. However, according to Harrison, the expansion at Holmwood Technical would also benefit Christiana High School, which is currently operating on a two-shift system due to its limited space.
Harrison appealed to Minister of Education Fayval Williams to prioritize the expansion of Christiana High School, emphasizing the availability of space for additional facilities. In response, Williams acknowledged the constraints faced by Christiana High School and the need for improvement. While the land space for expansion is limited, Williams suggested that expanding Holmwood Technical High School would temporarily alleviate the pressure on Christiana High School.
Principal Hidran McKulsky of Holmwood Technical High School supported the idea of expanding his school as a potential solution to overcrowding in neighboring institutions. With over 33 acres of property, there is ample space for growth, according to McKulsky. He also stressed the importance of expanding technical learning spaces to meet the demands of today’s education landscape.
The construction of the new classroom block at Holmwood High is expected to be completed within 10 months, accommodating more than 300 students. Additional school expansion projects are also planned for Manchester, including Mount Saint Joseph, Christiana, Bellefield, Mile Gully, Belair, and New Forest High schools.
In terms of accessibility, Minister Williams assured that the new building at Holmwood Technical High would be equipped with lifts and ramps, ensuring students with disabilities have equal access to education.
The news of the overcrowding issue at Christiana High School highlights the pressing need for additional resources and infrastructure to support the growing student population. The proposed expansion projects in Manchester aim to alleviate the strain on existing schools and create improved learning environments for students.
As the education sector continues to evolve and accommodate increased student enrollment, it is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate in finding sustainable solutions that meet the educational needs of communities. The expansion of schools, like Holmwood Technical and Christiana High, exemplifies the commitment to providing quality education to students across the region.
