GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Hugh Campbell Primary Students had to trade their familiar classrooms for temporary learning spaces across Grand Bahama on Monday.
The reason? A hidden electrical problem beneath their school grounds that officials say could only be uncovered by digging below the surface.
Deputy Director of Education Michelle Bowleg explains how extensive the damage was.
Michelle Bowleg – Deputy Director, Ministry of Education
“With the cable on the ground, I think some 600 feet [of] that cable had corroded and so only we only getting partial connection onto the school campus…”
Bowleg says the underground wiring had been in place for some time, and may have been exposed to water following a hurricane.
However, with questions from some parents about whether new air-conditioning units may have contributed to the failure, she says that was not the problem.
Michelle Bowleg – Deputy Director, Ministry of Education
“First, we must make sure that the school has the electrical capacity in order to take any any new equipment such as air-conditioning and so I do know that we had an electrical upgrade at the school this summer and so know that would not have been the cause.”
While repairs were underway, the challenge was making sure hundreds of students didn’t lose their momentum in the classroom.
Fifth and sixth graders were moved to Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s Northern Campus.
Second through fourth graders reported to Christ the King Hall, while preschoolers and first graders were accommodated at the Church of God Temple.
District Superintendent Manecia Pratt says the quick relocation was possible because teachers and school administrators were able to work together to keep the lessons going.
Manecia Pratt – District Superintendent, Ministry of Education
“In fact, they would’ve collaborated with the adminstrator to come up with a proposed schedule so that there was limited loss of instruction, and so the transition to the other buildings that were able to accommodate them it was rather smooth because they were always prepared to work.”
Now, with the damaged cables replaced and electrical connection restored, the temporary classrooms can give way to a return to normalcy.
