Parents have called an emergency meeting to discuss the “major” implications that educational reforms proposed by the Bermuda Government will have on public schools and students.

Deanna Trott, president of the Harrington Sound Parent Teacher Association, said “the future of our children’s education is in dire straits” in a press release sent out yesterday as she urged parents to attend the meeting.

The warning came as the Ministry of Education’s School Reorganisation (SCORE) Advisory Committee announced plans to hold parent, educator and community sessions today and tomorrow.

The Harrington Sound PTA meeting will take place in the school’s auditorium at 6pm tonight. According to yesterday’s press release it has been called to look at “how changes to the Education Amendment Act 2015 will have a major impact on public schools, educators and students in the very near future”.

“The future of our children’s education is in dire straits,” said Ms Trott. “We implore parents of Harrington Sound School students to attend this very important meeting. If you cannot attend, send a grandparent, family member or a friend. We believe your support in this matter is imperative.”

The event will also feature two speakers: Bermuda Parent Teacher Student Association chairman, Harry Matthie, and West Pembroke PTA president, Rene Dill.

The proposed consolidation of schools and educational reforms have been the subject of intense debate across the community. Yesterday, the Ministry of Education said its meetings at CedarBridge Academy would provide “an opportunity for parents, school staff and other community members to learn more about the work of the SCORE Advisory Committee and to give input on the important issue of school reorganisation”. The meetings will take place at the cafetorium today and tomorrow from 6.30pm to 8pm.

According to the Government press release, the purpose of the SCORE Advisory Committee is to gather current information about schools for determining the feasibility of reorganisation, including the possibility of school closure. It stated: “It must be noted that the SCORE Advisory Committee will not engage in any activity related to evaluating school personnel and the findings will be communicated to the Minister of Education for consideration and decision-making.

“The SCORE Advisory Committee encourages all to attend so that the voices of parents, educators and community members can be heard and considered as part of the school reorganisation process.”