The establishment of an agreement between independent schools and the HEART/NSTA Trust is among a raft of recommendations made by the Ministry of Education as part of efforts to boost collaboration.

This follows a meeting held yesterday involving Minister of Education, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, other Ministry officials, and a team from the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA), led by President Tamar McKenzie.

In a statement, the Ministry noted that the JISA team highlighted several areas of concern affecting the independent schools sector.

These include the need for technical assistance through internship support in areas such as accounting and administrative operations.

Dr. Morris Dixon proposed the drafting of a memorandum of understanding between JISA and the HEART/NSTA Trust, which would enable independent schools to benefit from the Government’s national skills training and internship framework.

She stated that the Ministry will facilitate dialogue between both entities in the shortest possible time.

In highlighting gaps in school leadership and professional development, the JISA President called for the inclusion of independent school leaders in the Ministry’s training seminars and back-to-school conferences, noting that such collaboration would raise the overall standard of education delivery across all school types.

A matter of national significance that was discussed was the lack of accountability among some unregistered independent schools, which, according to Mrs. McKenzie, continues to pose a serious threat to the reputation and credibility of the wider independent school community.

JISA reaffirmed its support for robust regulatory oversight and encouraged greater enforcement to protect students and families.

Dr. Morris Dixon expressed gratitude for the candid exchange and committed to building a more inclusive framework for independent schools.

The Ministry stated that it recognizes the critical role that independent schools play in national development.

The Minister noted that yesterday’s meeting signals the intention to ensure that JISA is not just consulted, but meaningfully engaged in shaping the future of education in Jamaica.

The meeting also allowed for agreement on the signing of new memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for spaces in independent schools, as well as the provision of an office for full-time staff.

The Ministry and JISA will hold a follow-up meeting to agree on timelines and other concerns of the Association, including the establishment of a formal working group to advance the collaboration agenda.