Does a PTA have the authority to take control of a government school?

Dear Editor,

I am partly relieved that the impasse between the East La Penitence Primary School PTA (including the teachers) and the Ministry of Education over the irate parent has been resolved. However, I wish to posit a few questions and make a general comment.

1. Does the PTA have the authority to physically take control over a government owned school by locking out students, teachers et al?

2. Who was responsible for the students’ safety outside the school during the lock-out?

3. Why after an apology was made by the parent couldn’t a resolution have been achieved to the satisfaction of all?

To transfer the problem is not always a final resolution. How would the teachers’ colleagues feel if the act is repeated elsewhere?

Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)