Stella Maris to Get New Principal and Infrastructure Upgrade  

The Ministry of Education is nearly done with its investigation into the death of Stella Maris student Gabriel Orellano. Today, Minister of Education Francis Fonseca confirmed that the investigation is wrapping up, and the findings will be shared with the public after the family is informed. When asked about a possible leadership change at the school, he mentioned that the current principal is set to retire in April.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“I think the report is almost complete. The ministry either today or tomorrow is having a meeting with the Belize Police Department. So that we can finalize our own report. So that is where it is. I expect that sometime next week we will have a final report. We have committed to meeting with the family first. We want to meet with he family, share that report, address it with them, share any questions or concerns they have regarding that report and it is an internal report. But as I have promised and committed after we done that, we will share that report with the public.”

 

Paul Lopez

“We have heard the principal in a recording makes some statements that does not sit well with certain members of the general public regarding autistic children. Talk about your knowledge of the principal, your understanding of her reputation and if she is fit to be in that position.”

 

Francis Fonseca

“I did not hear the comments, but principal Cantun has a long history in special education. She came from Orange Walk where she is serving at a special education institution. She came highly recommended. But we are reviewing everything. The truth is she will retire very shortly, at the end of April actually. So, in a sense it is a moot question because we will have to find new leadership for Stella Maris.”