Jeddah suspends schools due to heavy floods ... but teachers were excluded

Over the weekend, heavy rainfall hit Saudi Arabia's Jeddah and other regions in Mecca, leading to the suspension of schools on Sunday by several education authorities in the kingdom.

These include Jeddah's Education Authority, whose officials announced a suspension ... but only for students.

Teachers were reportedly excluded from the suspension in Jeddah, but were included in it in several other cities.

Speaking to Okaz newspaper, an academic expert - who was asked to explain the reason behind the Jeddah Education Authority's decision - said it was based on previous rules passed by the kingdom's Ministry of Education.

These regulations state that in "some cases," school officials and educators cannot be included in such suspensions because they have to reorganize and plan lessons for the days after an unanticipated break.

A recently established education committee makes case-by-case decisions when it comes to including or excluding teachers from emergency school suspensions.

"Al Laith's Education Authority suspended school for students and teachers but Jeddah's Education Authority only mentioned students. What's going on? Who's doing the right thing and who's following the Ministry's rulings?"

"I want to understand, why should we go to work... do they expect us to teach the desks and chairs? Or do they just want us to go drown and die! Failed decision." 

"We're waterproof teachers."

"Tomorrow, their activities involve mopping floors and cleaning walls." 

"The headmaster, deputy head, and guidance officer going to work tomorrow."