JC lauds Reid - Board approves resolution allowing principal to be seconded to Education ministry

Below is a statement from the board of management of Jamaica College regarding the appointment of Ruel Reid as minister of education.

The Board of management of Jamaica College on Monday approved a resolution for the school's principal, Ruel Reid, to be seconded to the Government of Jamaica to serve as the minister of education, youth and information.

This secondment will begin at the end of Reid's eight-month vacation, which starts this week.

At an extraordinary board meeting held on Monday, Chairman Michael Bernard heaped praise on Mr Reid's leadership in the transformation of Jamaica College, a process which started in 2006 when he was recruited by the former board chairman, Dr R. Danny Williams.

Bernard was supported by other board members who highlighted Reid's transformational leadership style, which resulted in positive changes in all facets of the all-boys' institution.

Board members lauded Reid's decision to agree to serve the country at the national level, noting that he has the skills to succeed in his new role.

Reid has been an educator for more than two decades and was a former president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), a former master teacher at Munro College, and a member of the boards of numerous agencies in education.

The Jamaica College board of management is expected to appoint an acting principal soon. In the meantime, Rohan Wong, a vice-principal, will act as principal.

Reid became principal of Jamaica College in 2006, and has been highly credited for the tremendous work he has done during his 10-year tenure.

Taking up the role at a time when the then 217-year-old all-boys school was at its most challenging, supported by his board and other stakeholders, Reid went on an aggressive mission to transform the institution into not only a model for leadership and change in the education system, but also as a recipe for national development.

Because of the outstanding work done, in 2011 Jamaica College was awarded as the Most Innovative High School in Jamaica, a reflection of the many achievements and special development programmes that have been implemented at the institution.

The award was received through the Unearthing Innovations Project Education Competition.

Jamaica College wishes Reid all the very best in his new role.