Executive members of the Bermuda Parent Teacher Student Association have voted to abstain from taking part in an information session by the Ministry of Education.

They cited a lack of consultation with Government about possible school restructuring.

The information session on parental and community involvement and the Education Amendment Act 2015 was due to take place this week.

The representative body sent a letter to Education Minister Wayne Scott in April outlining its concerns — specifically the Ministry’s “plan to undermine parent autonomy by changing the Education Act to reduce resources within the public education system by closing schools”.

After public consultation in March by the Ministry for PTAs, the BPTSA requested more information about the “consolidation” plan as well as adequate time to discuss it with its membership.

Outlining the reasons for the abstention of the information session, BPTSA chairman Harry Matthie said: “It has been made known to the MOED that the BPTSA represents its Island-wide PTA members.

“The basis for abstention is that the MOED has consistently failed to consult PTAs in accordance with the Ming Decision 2012 in spite of the BPTSA’s efforts to invite it to do so.

“At this time of consequential reforms in Bermuda, parents should consider our meaningful engagement vital to the process to ensure that our educational system is improved for our children and future generations.

“Furthermore, recent passage of the Education Amendment Act 2015 will undermine the already existing rights of parents to be consulted.”

A Ministry of Education spokeswoman said: “The Ministry of Education continues to communicate with PTAs as outlined in the recent Amendment to the Education Act 2015, which clearly defines the consultative process that we are committed to, and we will continue to function within those guidelines.”