Chennai: In an extraordinary move, the management of Bala Vidya Mandir school sacked its pro-parent chief educational officer and also dismissed its principal just a day before the school was to reopen. A statement from the school's management, sent late on Wednesday evening, read that a management committee meeting was organised during the day wherein it was decided to terminate the services of the school's CEO S.S. Nathan, besides announcing the formation of a new School Management Committee (SMC).
The fate of Principal, R. Srinivasa Raghavan, was also effectively sealed after the committee decided to replace him with another person. The move follows the steadfast support lent by teachers of the school to parents, who have been protesting against the discriminatory fee structure proposed by the management.
Reacting to the adverse development, parents expressed their deep shock and apprehension. "It can have a very demoralising effect on crucial teachers. The only mistake the principal and CEO did was to stand by the students. They are being victimised and thrown out in an ugly manner. No show cause notice was served. They just announced the appointment of the new principal. Everyone is apprehensive, including parents and teachers, about the future of the students," Suresh, a parent said.
On Monday, more than 300 parents of children admitted to the school gathered at the school premises and voiced their strong opposition against the discriminatory fee structure.In a circular, parents were informed that they had to choose between two options. Either to opt for the nominal fee, as prescribed by the Justice S. R. Singaravelu fee determination committee, wherein students will be denied all curricular activities offered by the school and working hours restricted to about 4 hours.
Or else, pay the fees as fixed by the school (which amounts to double the amount set by the committee) and subsequently avail all facilities provided by the school. In the press statement though, the school management noted it would abide by the orders of Justice S.R. Singaravelu fee determination committee.Repeated attempts to reach Mr Nathan and Mr Raghavan for their comment proved futile.
