Wayne Scott yesterday clarified that middle schools and senior schools are not being considered for consolidation contrary to making that suggestion at a meeting with education stakeholders.

The Education Minister met with the Bermuda Parent Teachers Student Association at CedarBridge Academy to discuss the issue of schools consolidation, and said that the initiative could include more than children from preschools and primary schools.

Mr Scott said in a statement: “I wish to clarify the statement I made last evening to avoid any doubt and assure PTAs and the general public that middle and high schools are not being considered as part of the consolidation discussion.

“As I have previously stated, at this time we are considering consolidating some preschools and primary schools.”

The meeting was fronted by a panel made up of Mr Scott, education permanent secretary Valerie Robinson-James and acting education commissioner Dr Freddie Evans. The purpose of the event was to present information about why Government was considering consolidation and to garner feedback from stakeholders on how to proceed.

It followed the announcement in the 2015 budget that the Ministry of Education is set to be cut by $5.9 million with $1 million expected to be saved through the restructuring of preschools and primary school.

Mr Scott added: “I am very grateful for the many parents and teachers who attended the meeting last night.

“Their feedback was just what we needed to start this consultation process.

“As I stated at the meeting, this is the first step in the consultation process and we will have many more meetings with other key stakeholders before any decisions are made. We value and need your input, as this will set the foundation for developing a common understanding of both the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead.

“I encourage parents who were not able to attend meeting to please submit their concerns and ideas to us in writing.”

The Public School Reorganisation Consultation document is available at www.moed.bm.

The deadline for written submissions is March 20.