Peaceful resolution of ISM row urged

Stakeholders of the International School of Manila (ISM) yesterday called for a peaceful and legal resolution of the crisis that momentarily disrupted classes in the school.

Classes have since resumed.

In a statement sent through EON Inc., a public relations firm, the ISM community said, "following the resignation of the five remaining members of the board of trustees of the ISM on Thursday, the sustaining members have come together to propose an interim board that will work for a harmonious resolution of the crisis until an election can be held for the new set of officers."

The ISM by-laws, sustaining members shall consist of such organizations and individuals who have made substantial financial contributions to the school and who have been or may hereafter be elected to sustaining membership as provided in the by-laws.

The teachers have also reported back to work and classes have resumed since last Friday, the statement said.

For his part, Dutch Ambassador Robert Vornis said: "We need to put this crisis behind us and start the healing process in the best interest of the school and particularly the education of our children. Due process should be followed to ensure that the Philippine laws are respected."

The statement said over 845 out of the 1,200 families of the ISM community have signed proxies for the removal of the board of trustees, joined by 226 faculty and staff, as well as seven members of the leadership team in the school, which includes principals and assistant principals.

On the other hand, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Rick Santos said majority of the parents have expressed hope that the school will now peacefully resume its operations for the benefit of the children.

"It is critical to ensure that such a crisis will never happen again. Beyond the temporary resolution of this crisis, a sustainable solution will have to be found to provide the stability that is much needed in such a critical area as education," said Santos. — Sandy Araneta