Dr Marjorie Fullerton returns to principal post at Merl Grove High after court win

Dr Marjorie Fullerton is once again at the helm of Merl Grove High School, returning to the principal's office after a four-year legal struggle that ended in March when the Supreme Court ordered her reinstatement.

The educator arrived at the St Andrew school by 7:00 am on Thursday but opted not to address reporters. At her side was Doran Dixon, assistant general secretary of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) and a two-time past president of the union, who spoke on her behalf.

Dixon told the media that Dr Fullerton is glad to be back at work and intends to pick up where she left off in serving the country's students.

"Dr Fullerton is happy to be back in her substantive role as principal and she looks forward to continuing to do what she would have been doing before the situation was disrupted contributing to national development and making sure that the nation's children receive as good an education as possible," Dixon said.

Describing the road to this point as a lengthy one, Dixon said the outcome represents justice for the educator.

"As a union, the Jamaica Teachers' Association is always wanting to ensure that justice is done and in this case, justice has been done and we are happy that she was vindicated. We look forward to her continuing to be a good educator," he said.

"We respect the court. We respect the process and we are always convinced of the court's ability to make a balanced, fair judgment. So we're always happy when teachers are vindicated."

The controversy at Merl Grove stretches back to 2022, when the school board removed Dr Fullerton on the recommendation of its personnel committee. That committee had concluded, in a report following a hearing held after her suspension on 10 September 2021, that the charges levelled against her were proven.

The March Supreme Court decision overturning her dismissal was a blow to the school board, the Ministry of Education and the Associated Gospel Assemblies (AGA) Church, which owns the institution. Each had stood behind the move to remove her, which followed disagreements with staff over her management approach.