Controversy Erupts Over Planned Transfer of Isiolo Boys High School Principal.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, along with agitated parents, fiercely oppose the transfer of Mr. James Gituma. Mr. Gituma, who served as the Deputy Principal before his confirmation as head teacher, has been instrumental in turning the school’s academic performance around. Governor Guyo stated, “As leaders and parents in Isiolo, we don’t want to gamble with our children’s future. We will not allow a non-performer to come to the school.”
Under Mr. Gituma’s leadership, the school’s performance improved remarkably. The mean score rose from 3.6 three years ago to 5.4 last year. Governor Guyo emphasized that they will not allow TSC to appoint a head teacher known for poor performance. In addition, the governor believes the move is political with a TSC commissioner aiming to install a principal from his ethnic community.
The local leaders and parents are prepared to petition the National Assembly to remove the said commissioner if the transfer is not reversed. Governor Guyo expressed his frustration, saying, “We will not allow them to mess up with our children. We are in the middle of the term, and national exams are four months away. What are they up to?”
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Attempts to reach TSC chairman Jamleck Muturi and CEO Nancy Macharia for comments were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the school’s Board of Management (BoM) chairman, Mohammed Boru, and the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) chairman strongly opposed the planned transfer. They highlighted that the school’s performance is currently on an upward trajectory.
Mohammed Boru pointed out that TSC had issued two transfer orders to Mr. Gituma in the past two months. Despite this, Mr. Gituma remains dedicated to helping the school reclaim its lost glory. The mean grade has improved from 3.6 to 5.2 over the past three years.
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Mr. Gituma was confirmed as Isiolo Boys’ head teacher a few months ago after serving as Deputy Principal for seven years. Before his confirmation, TSC attempted to deploy a different principal. However, the board and local leaders insisted on promoting Mr. Gituma due to his positive impact on the school.
For more than a year, Mr. Gituma served as acting principal following the departure of the former principal, Abdi Diba, whom he had deputized. Local MCA Salesio Kiambi questioned the rationale behind transferring Mr. Gituma just months after his promotion. He stated, “We are not ready to compromise the performance of the school. We are not against the transfer, but it must be clear that whoever is taking over is sober and not someone who is a poor performer.”
Isiolo Boys High School, once an academic powerhouse, suffered a decline in performance over several years. Issues such as radicalization, drug and substance abuse, student indiscipline, and political interference have negatively impacted the school. Despite these challenges, the school has produced notable alumni, including former Isiolo Governor Mohammed Kuti, Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohammed Liban, and Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal.
Governor Guyo and other local leaders are have a determination to protect the progress made under Mr. Gituma’s leadership. They believe that his continued presence is crucial for the school’s academic success. The community’s unified stance against the TSC’s decision underscores their commitment to ensuring a bright future for their children.
In conclusion, the planned transfer of Isiolo Boys High School’s principal has sparked significant controversy. Local leaders, parents, and the Board of Management are united in their opposition. Consequently, they argue that Mr. Gituma’s proven track record makes him the best person to lead the school. The outcome of this standoff will have a profound impact on the school’s future and the students’ academic success.
Controversy Erupts Over Planned Transfer of Isiolo Boys High School Principal.
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