After the protests of some parents and students and yesterday’s demonstration against the new school timetables, the head teacher of the Basile Institute, Caterina Celesti, intervened: “With regard to the recent protests regarding the school timetable adopted by our institute – she writes in a note – it is considered necessary to provide some clarifications to restore correct information and protect the image of the school, with respect for the school community and the collegial bodies. The current choices have been taken within the Institute Council, a body made up of representatives of all school components, including parents and students. These decisions followed a survey administered to students, from which the preference for the current timetable emerged by a majority. The same time preference was also expressed by a large majority within the Teaching Body. It is, therefore, completely inappropriate and unfounded to claim that these choices have been made from above or imposed in the absence of comparison”.
“The timetable currently in force, with the Open days – continues Celesti – strictly complies with the annual number of hours established by the Ministry of Education and Merit for Artistic High Schools. The school operates in full compliance with the regulations in force and in coherence with what happens in many similar schools throughout the country. The critical issues connected to public transport timetables are the subject of discussion with ATM which has been asked to adapt the services to better meet the needs of students. Even though this is an area outside the school’s responsibilities, the management continues to take an active part in facilitating concrete solutions. We categorically deny the news, which has circulated in the last few hours, according to which the school’s toilets would be closed at 2pm due to alleged inefficiencies linked to ATA staff. No limitation of this type was ever foreseen or communicated by the school. ATA staff regularly guarantees the service for the entire school time, in compliance with the current CCNL. This rumor, without any foundation, has generated confusion among students and families, damaging the image of the Institute. The manager firmly condemns the dissemination of false, alarmist or potentially defamatory information. Please note that the dissemination of unverified news, if attributable to individuals or groups, may be the subject of a report to the competent authorities if it damages the good repute of the Institute or the people who work there. In this sense, any public statement that intentionally attributes untruthful behavior or managerial misconduct to the school will be carefully evaluated and, if necessary, subject to action to protect the school institution. School is a place of training, education for discussion and collective responsibility. Any critical issues must be reported through official channels (representatives, collegiate bodies, secretarial offices) and discussed in a constructive manner. Every any other method risks fueling misinformation and tension, damaging the very people it is intended to protect: the students. The Institute will continue to operate in full compliance with the regulations, in the interest of the students and the quality of the educational offering. We remain available for discussion in the appropriate ways and venues, in the certainty that transparency, fairness and responsible participation remain the founding values of our school community.”