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At least one prominent private school in Manchester is now turning to the government for public support because of the loss of funding from the ailing bauxite-alumina industry.
Spokespersons at Belair school in Mandeville say they might even opt for grant-aided status, if that is what it takes to save the institution.
The situation at <span style="font-weight: bold">Belair</span> is approaching dire proportions, according to Board Chairman, Patrick James.
So much so that it might have no choice but to seek a helping hand from the government.
"Because if our facility were to close now, where in this community could you find space for 700 or 650 students," Mr. James said.
<span style="font-weight: bold">This is a far cry from the early days of Belair.</span>
The school was established with funding from Alcan and Alpart <span style="font-weight: bold">in the late 1960's, mainly to meet the needs of the children of expatriate managers and senior local employees in the bauxite-alumina sector in Central Jamaica.</span>
Now, with the closure of Alpart and drastic cutback in work at Windalco, which succeeded Alcan, the school fears many of the parents who worked at these two companies will be hard-pressed to continue sending their children to Belair.
The principal, June McCatty, has already put the staff on notice that their jobs cannot be guaranteed.
"If we get the students then their jobs are secure but at the same time we are asking them to look on the outside and see if they will be able to pick up anything there," Ms. McCatty said.
It is in a bid to avoid that eventuality that the Chairman, is anxious for an arrangement to be negotiated with the government, as some others have done.
"<span style="font-weight: bold">We've heard about Hydel and a couple other school that have got some [assistance]</span>
but we are willing to talk and discuss what is the path ahead," Mr. James said.