This year’s national exam results were again disappointing, but officials are hoping to reverse this trend. It’s for this reason public school principals have come together to formulate a plan to maximise their students’ potential.

“Your mission is to provide quality leadership, motivation and practical step by step assistance to your school team,” said District Superintendent, Dressler Sherman.

“Prepare yourselves to be challenged, excited and inspired but most of all be empowered to lead.”

More than 100 public school administrators heard that during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre yesterday.

Mrs. Sherman says many of the solutions to education’s challenges lie with the principals.

With the current education system under scrutiny, Mrs. Sherman also said the response will determine the path for the next 40 years.

“Getting it right begins with the belief that it can be done, a belief that we can do it, that we can get it right,” she said.

“Over the next two days we will be challenged to review our mindset and belief system.”

Minister of Education Science and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald says the next three years are critical to transforming the local educational system.

“Much of our success will be found in the priority we place on factors within our control,” said Mr. Fitzgerald.

Factors include recruitment, training, improving leadership skills, capital and human resource investment.

“However factors beyond our control like responsible and engaging parenting, community involvement in education, the placing of education as a value just not a priority and mature political leadership are the more important factors.”

The seminar ends on Wednesday.