fears that staffing is to be reduced.

The Parents, Teachers, Students Association (PTSA) contacted The Royal Gazette last night to voice concerns that one of the four deputy principals may be paid off.

PTSA chairman Patricia Basden said all four deputies played an integral part at the school and offered invaluable support to headteacher Kalmar Richards.

They said they feared the loss of one senior member of staff could be the start of Government plans to downsize the school.

And they said the school was likely to see additional pupils on its register during the next few years, meaning staff would need to be increased, not reduced.

As a result, the PTSA is set to write to Education Minister Milton Scott urging him to keep all key players at the school in post.

Mrs. Basden said: "We believe the Government has decided to have three deputy principals, instead of four.

"Mrs. Richards has just completed her first year as principal. .. and to up-root a member of this strong administration would be detrimental to the school and its students.'' Principal Mrs. Richards said last night that discussions were underway as to whether or not the school should keep a fourth deputy principal, but as yet nothing had been decided.

Education Minister Milton Scott said when the school was opened three years' ago four deputies were put in place, one of them on a temporary basis to facilitate its opening.

That post, he said, was never meant to be long-term.

However, he said: "No decision has been made as to whether or not that (post) is coming to an end at this stage.'' But he said the school had a ratio of one teacher to every 12 students, which was above average and he said additional teachers had been put in place when the school first opened to ensure a successful beginning.

He added: "Whether staffing will be maintained at that level will be down to the needs of the students. Each year it might be different. It's a delicate balancing act. The needs of CedarBridge will be met.''