The Government has launched an initiative aimed at getting parents more involved with their children’s education.

However, Mike Charles of the Bermuda Union of Teachers said that in order for such an initiative to be a success, it needs the buy-in of the wider community.

“It’s great to involve the community, but it has to be the whole Bermuda community, not just the black community,” he said. “Until that happens, we will continue to be in the state we are in.”

In the House of Assembly on Friday, Cole Simons, Minister of Education, announced the formation of a Parental Involvement Committee, which will foster better communication between the Department of the Education and parents.

Mr Simons said Government wants “a progressive effort to involve and engage public school parents for the betterment of our public school education system”.

The minister told MPs: “We know that we cannot underestimate the value of family in a child’s education, and this Government has acknowledged and affirmed our responsibility to grow relationships and partnerships with parents, families and the community.

“Schools do this every day through PTAs and parent councils and through the important work of supporting and improving individual schools.

“During the 2015 consultation process on what were then proposed amendments to the Education Act 1996, a parent asked the question — ‘but what about parent engagement for the entire public education system?’

“After continued consultation and engagement, this Government determined that we should put in place a Parental Involvement Committee. This was a direct response to the desire expressed by parents for proactive and strategic access to the Department of Education.”

Mr Simons said the ministry wanted better communication with parents and welcomed input on important issues that affect them, their children and the system.

“We don’t just want parents to come to us — we want to go to them and seek their advice and representation not only when problems occur, but before they happen,” he said. “We see great things ahead for our public education system, for all schools and for all children. We therefore want and have invited parents, as well as other stakeholders in our public education system to be part of that vision and future.”

He said the committee would provide advice and feedback from the perspective of parents, represent broad parental interests, support PTAs and help parents support their children learning at home.

Chairwoman of the team selecting the committee is Tamicia Darrell, deputy principal at West End Primary School, with other members including Keithlyn Fleming, Noel Pearman, Jo-Ann Pully and Kimberley McKeown.

Mr Simons said: “This selection team has already encouraged parents to consider participating for the betterment of our public education system.

“Parent councils, PTAs, and all parents of public schoolchildren are being asked to put their name forward for membership on the Parental Involvement Committee.”

He said parents selected should represent a cross-section of parents across all public schools and have a child enrolled in public school. The deadline for applications is April 9. Applications and any questions should be e-mailed to parents@moed.bm.

Speaking about the move yesterday, Mr Charles said that the wider Bermudian community must take part for progress to be made.

“I think when we talk about public education, we think about black children. There is another part of the community as well, but they don’t take part,” he said.

“Those who send their children to private schools don’t care about what happens.”

He said that while a great deal of work needs to be done to bring public schools to the standard they need to be, the government seems more intent on investing in the America’s Cup.

“We need the buildings to be at a level where children can go and feel safe,” he said. “We also need supplies. We talk about a 21st-century education, but we don’t have 21st-century supplies.”

• To see the full Parental Involvement Committee Q&A, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”