CABINET NOTES- **The Cabinet has approved a proposal from the Ministry of Education to merge Glanvilles Secondary School and Pares Secondary School, effective at the start of the new academic year in September.**
Acting Director of Education, Dr. Jonah Greene, informed the Cabinet that the merger was necessary due to the declining student populations at both institutions. Glanvilles currently enrolls 163 students and Pares 178 students—figures that have led to unsustainably small class sizes and underutilized subject offerings in both schools.
Dr. Greene assured the Cabinet that the consolidation will not cause disruption to either students or staff. All students will be accommodated at Pares Secondary School, while teachers will be reassigned to other educational institutions or retained within the Ministry of Education system.
Dr. Greene stated that the merger is not driven by cost-cutting, but rather by a commitment to creating a sustainable and dynamic learning environment—one that prioritizes educational quality, operational efficiency, and equity, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive both academically and socially.
As part of the transition, the Cabinet also approved a recommendation by the Ministry to repurpose the Glanvilles Secondary School as the new home for the School of Agriculture. This aligns with the Government’s broader commitment to enhancing food security and expanding access to specialized agricultural education and training.
Glanvilles Secondary School is already equipped with key facilities to support this transformation, including:
- A Home Economics Department
- A Science Laboratory
- Animal pens
- A Hydroponic unit
- Established farm plots
The Ministry of Education will host informational meetings with parents, teachers, and union representatives in the coming weeks to outline the merger process and ensure a smooth, well-coordinated transition for all stakeholders.