By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@trubunemedia.net

A STUDENT’S father attacked a primary school principal with an iron object during a parent-teacher conference in East Grand Bahama on Friday, leaving her hospitalised with serious head injuries, police said.

The Ministry of Education condemned the attack, describing it as an unacceptable act of violence that undermines efforts to keep schools safe.

The assault occurred around 10.30am when the man, reportedly upset about his child’s report card, allegedly hit the principal during a confrontation on school grounds.

According to police, the woman suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the hospital, where her condition was initially listed as serious but stable. She has since been discharged.

A 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody. Investigations are ongoing.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the Ministry of Education said: “Schools must be safe places for teaching and learning. Violence of any kind will not be tolerated.”

It added that ministry officials are working with law enforcement to ensure the matter is thoroughly investigated and that appropriate legal consequences follow.

Counselling and other support services have also been made available to staff and students affected by the incident.

The ministry claimed violent episodes on campus have declined following the return of the School Resource Officer (SRO) programme, operated in conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

“The ministry is also actively reviewing policies concerning access by members of the public to school grounds,” the statement said.

Officials have called on parents, guardians and community leaders to help maintain school environments that are safe, respectful and supportive for all.