A request for proposals (RFP) on abolishing Bermuda’s middle schools was sent out this weekend to find organisations to “plan, manage and execute the school redesign process”.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Minister of Education Diallo Rabain said schools will be redesigned and rebuilt to include new signature schools “tailored to the needs of the Bermuda public school system”.
“This will also allow the officers within the Department of Education to continue to focus on the day-to-day work of public school education,” he said.
“I encourage the public to review the RFP, which will be available online under the Office of Project Management and Procurement section of gov.bm.”
“You will see our sincere intention to be collaborative by giving you the opportunity to help transform public education in Bermuda.”
Responses to the RFP are expected by the end of September, but the Minister noted that any plans moving forward, require research and consultation.
“I thank all of the critical players for their diligent contributions towards executing what I have outlined here today; however, much work remains ahead,” said Mr Rabain.
“I am encouraged by the path we are on to transform Bermuda schools and the Bermuda public education system.”
On the asbestos situation at Clearwater Middle School, the Minister said: “Over the past two weeks, there have been concerns about the state of our school facilities; the health and safety of our students and staff; and questions about what we as a Ministry and Department are doing to address these issues.
“It is important to me, that I take this opportunity to outline the steps we are taking to not only ensure that our schools are safe, but to reassure parents, students, staff, and the public that we are doing what is necessary to map out a successful path for public education in Bermuda.
Commenting on “the most recent opportunity for immediate action within the Department and Ministry”, Mr Rabain said “further abatement work was needed” at Clearwater Middle School”.
“That work is currently underway,” said the Minister.
“Currently Mr Titus Gordon, Government Health and Safety Officer is producing an FAQ fact sheet about asbestos that will be handed out to all relevant stakeholders prior to the opening of school.
“Under any other circumstance, finding asbestos at any school is an issue that would be quickly addressed and dealt with, by the Ministry of Public Works and third-party licensed contractors. However, in keeping with my promise be transparent and open with my communication with relevant stakeholders, I deemed it critical to provide this update,” he added.
“Teachers will return to school next week on September 3rd, and students on September 10th. With this in mind, it is vital to us that we provide an update.”
“Our approach is simple. We will focus our efforts where they are needed and communicate with those that are affected as soon as practicable.”
Overall, the Minister said: “The majority of Bermuda public schools will be ready to receive teachers and staff on September 3rd, and students on September 10th”.
Updates on “the readiness of the remaining schools” are still pending.
On plans to reform Bermuda’s public school system, he said: “Over many years, and presently, there has been a lot of discussion and concern about the state of our facilities; the quality of public education; and the decline in enrolment.
“These realities have been some of the key indicators in reaffirming the importance of this Government executing our promise to restructure our school system, including phasing out middle schools and introducing signature schools.
“The restructuring of the Bermuda Public School System; phasing out middle schools; and introducing signature schools remains consistent with Plan 2022 – a plan that was compiled directly from public feedback and which determines the direction of public education in Bermuda.”
