The National Parent Teachers Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) and the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) say the reopening of schools could be disrupted by the August 27 general election.

Sylvester Anderson, NPTAJ president, said the date of the election is too close to the back-to-school period.

"I would have preferred some more time between the reopening of school and the election," he emphasised.

According to Mr. Anderson, the election could impact on schools, depending on the results as, if some people are not in favour of the results, educational institutions, especially in volatile areas, could be affected due to violence, tension, among other things.

Schools as polling stations

Meanwhile, Hopeton Henry, JTA president, said orientation and other activities that are usually held prior to the reopening of schools could be disrupted.

"Schools will be used as polling stations and that will impact on orientation for students," he argued.

The JTA boss noted too that, when the new school year does not get off to a smooth start, students take a long time to get settled.

"So if we are not able to start smoothly come September, we are going to run into some trouble," he said.

Mr. Henry said other areas of the education system could suffer because Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson could be busy on the campaign trail.

"If the leadership is caught up in electioneering, nobody will be here to supervise the process and if the necessary political directive is not given, we may run into trouble."

However, Mrs. Henry-Wilson said her ministry does not anticipate any major problems with the reopening of school.

According to her, the back-to-school preparations have begun and that process will be completed by the time the election is held.

"I am and have been available for any decision and have been meeting with my team weekly," Mrs. Henry-Wilson told The Gleaner yesterday.