Community members gather to protest against the headmaster's decision on teacher terminations
In a surprising turn of events, four contract teachers at Wat Thap Krit Klang School in Nakhon Sawan were dismissed without clear explanation or justification, causing a stir among parents, students, and local residents. The sudden termination occurred at the start of the academic term, just days after the new headmistress, Priyaphat Sengse, took up her position on July 1.
On July 8, a meeting was held by the headmistress with the four teachers, during which she announced budget constraints as the reason for the school's financial predicament and stated that their contracts would be terminated by July 15. The teachers were asked to hand over their duties to other staff, effectively ending their employment abruptly.
The dismissed teachers included Nattawan, a traditional dance instructor with 8 years of service; Thittita, a social studies teacher with just over 3 years of service; Nattwadee, a computer teacher with 2 years of service; and Warasit, a physical education instructor with nearly 6 years of service. The teachers filed a complaint with the provincial complaints centre, citing unfair dismissal without prior performance evaluation or adequate notice.
Community response was significant and immediate. At least 100 parents and local residents gathered outside the school in protest, expressing dissatisfaction with the headmistress's decision. The demonstrators emphasized that the teachers were dedicated, well-loved by students, and had strong ties to the community. The abrupt termination negatively impacted students, who were left without their teachers, and also harmed community morale overall.
Officials from the Basic Education Commission have visited the area to hear residents' concerns, and they have promised to investigate thoroughly, with a result expected within seven days. Local education office representatives are also scheduled to attend a meeting on July 15 to make recommendations.
One parent highlighted the teachers' long-standing ties to the community and consistent delivery of results for the school and students as reasons for their popularity and effectiveness. The protesters have demanded transparency in school management and have called for the reinstatement of the dismissed teachers.
In summary, the sudden dismissal of four contract teachers at Wat Thap Krit Klang School has led to ongoing complaints and unrest within the local community. The teachers were dismissed without any performance evaluation or advance notice, citing budget constraints as the reason. The community views the dismissals as unfair and damaging to students and community morale. The situation is currently under investigation by the Basic Education Commission, with a result expected in the coming days.
- The parents, students, and local residents, who view the dismissed teachers positively due to their long-standing ties to the community and consistent delivery of results, are calling for transparency in education-and-self-development management at Wat Thap Krit Klang School.
- The abrupt termination of Nattawan, Thittita, Nattwadee, and Warasit, who were valued for their dedication and strong ties to the community, has sparked concerns about the fairness of education-and-self-development practices at Wat Thap Krit Klang School.
