An appeal against a decision to cut a St. George's Prep classroom and deny dozens of children entry to the school of their choice in the East End, will not be heard until after April 14.

Chairman of the Appeals Committee Wilbur Lowe said yesterday that the appellants will get a fair hearing.

But, while the appeal documents had been received, the hearings would have to wait until previously filed appeals had been heard.

Rev. Lowe said he had been insulted by comments made by lawyer Richard Horseman last month, suggesting that the appellants may not get a fair hearing.

"That's an insult to me, the chairman, and the committee, because there are highly intelligent people on the committee. They are well equipped to follow the guidelines of the (Education) Act," he said.

"So we are very insulted by that. Of course, they are (going to get a fair hearing) ... we are dealing with children's lives and families ? that's most important ? we are dealing with people's lives. We want to make sure that our children receive good education in a wholesome environment. We're not about taking sides. We are looking forward to meeting with Mr. Horseman and the appellants."

Twenty five families, represented by Mr. Horsman, are formally appealing the Education Ministry's decision to cut an entry level class, forcing many children to go to school elsewhere.

Yesterday Rev. Lowe said that the appeal documents contained a technical error because, according to the Act, the respondent should be the trustees of the school not the Education Minister or the Chief Education Officer.

"This is an interesting case because the respondent and the appellants are both on the same side," he said. "The parents need to be making their appeal to the managers of the school."

Rev. Lowe said that most of the appeals being dealt with now concerned children who wanted to switch high schools, or elementary school children wanting to be transferred.

He said it was impossible to say when the St. George's Prep case would be heard but another series of appeals will be scheduled after April 14.

Nor could Rev. Lowe say whether the appeals will be heard separately or as a class action.

"That is a decision that we have not made as yet ? whether we hear the 25 together or we hear them separately is a major question and we have had a few meetings about that already."

Rev. Lowe stressed the committee would be fair to all parties concerned.

"We are looking forward to working with him (Mr. Horseman) and the people of St George's because we want them to be satisfied and the children to be satisfied. We understand precisely what they are asking and we can work with them," he said.

He added that the appeal could be heard and decided quite quickly.

"Appeals don't take very long ? we can deal with an appeal within 15 minutes. Once the parents have left, the appeals committee can make a decision that day."

Appeals Committee members include Rev. Lowe, lawyer Elizabeth Christopher, MP Ottiwell Simmons and others. Decisions are taken by Rev. Lowe and two other members.