Some school principals in Spanish Town, St. Catherine are reporting that student and staff turnout has improved greatly, when compared to last week.

A State of Public Emergency has been implemented in the Parish in response to the violence.

School administrators have been trying to continue operations, even as many students and staff expressed fear for their safety.

Vice principal of the Spanish Town High School’s first shift, Janet Tenaydo said yesterday at least 84% of students have returned to the classrooms.

Ms. Tenaydo said while all teachers have turned out for their duties, many of them were delayed due to the police checkpoints established across St. Catherine.

Meantime, Principal of the St. Catherine High School, Marlon Campbell said yesterday although students have returned to school, administrators had to make repeated appeals to parents to send them.

A State of Public Emergency was declared in St. Catherine last Friday following an upsurge in gang violence, particularly in Spanish Town, which forced some businesses to close their doors.