By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

Bacolod City Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos has recommended to the Department of Education in the Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) the closure of a private elementary school in the city for allegedly operating without permits.

Develos said they have already sent a letter to the DepEd-NIR office recommending the closure.

He said they had already met with the parents of at least 30 learners to address the issue, adding that they would also inform the central office.

Develos noted that the private elementary school, which he declined to identify, has four extension campuses located in different barangays in the city.

The school had been issued a notice to explain as part of the due process.

He also found that all four campuses had been operating without permits.

Authorities are also consolidating records to determine the total number of learners affected across the four extension schools.

Develos said affected parents may file complaints against the school owner, while DepEd will separately pursue an administrative complaint.

He also urged parents to verify whether a school has a valid permit to operate before enrolling their children./MAP, WDJ