Jamie Lee Usher, principal of the elite Belize High School since its founding in 2010 was abruptly terminated today.
Late this afternoon, BHS parents who support her gathered outside the school after learning that she had been sent home. Usher has appeared in countless interviews representing BHS, and under her tenure, the high school has become a leader in STEM. Students have also made history in international robotics competitions with her at the head.
But this afternoon - she received a letter saying that her services were no longer required, effective immediately, and that she needed to hand over all of the school's property, including access to its social media accounts. Staff were informed in a meeting just after 2:00.
Reports are that she was terminated after 13 staff members wrote to the board about multiple instances of alleged abuse of power among other policy abuses. They say they tried to work with her about found her management style impossible.
Our newsroom reached out to her for comment but got no response. However, she told one of our producers that the termination is without cause.
Notably, her husband, Henry Charles Usher, was also amongst the parents gathered outside the school, apparently to lend some political muscle to the parent dissent. We will continue to follow this story.
Earlier in the news we told you that Jamie Lee Usher was terminated this afternoon as principal of BHS. She'd been at that post for 14 years, and half an hour ago, she issued an official statement. She said, quote, "I am humbled to have been able to share my talents, gifts, and ideas for just under 14 years as a RAM. The service to the future of education in Belize has been my passion, and my energies will continue to serve the students of Belize, especially in leadership and robotics. I look forward to the next chapter. I stand proudly behind my commitment to the BHS RAMS Community." End quote.
She then thanks her family and friends, as well as the parents and students of BHS who have supported her. She ends the statement by saying, "Always Team Belize, always a Robotics Enthusiast, and always a STEAM educator."
We showed the statement to one staffer with knowledge of the situation. This person acknowledged her contribution but added that she needed to make a managerial adjustment and refused all advice for effective leadership.
