Parents Once Again Take Over Edouard Seguin Preschool Due to Lack of Janitorial Staff
In a continuing struggle to address the absence of janitorial staff, frustrated parents of students at Edouard Seguin Preschool have once again resorted to direct action. For the past two years, the preschool has lacked a permanent janitor, forcing two mothers to volunteer their time to clean the premises. However, as of late, only one mother remains able to contribute, which has become unsustainable given the size of the school.
On the morning of Monday, November 4, parents placed locks and chains on the school gates and displayed posters demanding the urgent hiring of a qualified janitor. Leslie Salas, a representative of the school’s parent committee, highlighted the critical need for a permanent solution, stating: “We need this resolved immediately; there are several focus areas within the school we’re concerned about.”
The position has remained unfilled since October 2022 following the retirement of the previous janitor, affecting both the Edouard Seguin morning shift and the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz afternoon shift. According to a mother involved in the protest, an official janitor is currently registered in the system, but they lack the necessary skills for the role. In the past, a temporary staff member was appointed but was removed just before securing a permanent position.
In an interview, Jazmin Castillo, a former leader within the institution who also participated in last year’s similar blockade, shared her frustration: “The school was closed for several days, and although promises were made, there was no resolution.”
Currently, parents contribute 100 pesos monthly to cover cleaning expenses, yet the absence of adequate staffing remains a pressing issue. The demonstrators declare they will continue their blockade across both shifts until the matter is addressed satisfactorily: “We need our rightful janitor, confirmed to be on duty,” Salas added.
Secondary Article: Education System Challenges Persist in Tijuana Amidst Parental Protests
The situation at Edouard Seguin Preschool is not isolated, as similar protests have erupted across various educational institutions in Tijuana. Eleven schools face disruptions due to a shortage of teachers, with complaints from faculty about delayed wage payments.
Further exacerbating tensions, local educational authorities have seen increased confrontations from the National Union of Education Workers. The union’s members have been protesting for better compensation within the educational system, underscoring an ongoing struggle for resources and recognition.
Moreover, allegations of fiscal mismanagement and neglect have surfaced from parents of children attending Jardin de Niños Cucapá, drawing attention to the broader systemic issues that plague public education in the region.
These challenges reflect a critical need for effective governance and support within Tijuana’s educational framework, as unmet demands continue to spur actions from concerned stakeholders.