Parents of pupils attending the St Bridget's RC School in Siparia yesterday called on the Education Ministry and the Catholic Board of Education to begin construction of a new school building, one day after it was shut down by health inspectors because of a rat invasion.

Declan Hive, vice president of the school's Parent/Teacher Association, said when the new school term begins in September, parents would not be sending their children to the existing school. He said the school was shut down by health officials after teachers reported that rats had infested their classrooms.

"When the teachers were cleaning their cupboards they noticed that the books were eaten. They also found several dead rats on the compound," he said.

Hive said the 60-year-old school, located at La Pastora Street, Siparia, was condemned in January and a temporary structure built at the front of the old building. The Secondary Entrance Assessment pupils were housed in the parish hall of a nearby church.

"On Tuesday the health officials shut down the school indefinitely because it was unhealthy and unsanitary for the children," he said.

Hive said teachers reported for duties yesterday, but parents kept their children away from classes.

He said parents were also concerned about piles of debris which have been placed in the school yard.

An official at the ministry said yesterday a meeting has been scheduled for this morning. He said representatives of the Roman Catholic Board of Education, Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association and Education Minister Hazel Manning are expected to attend.

source: www.trinidadexpress.com