Wayne Scott, the Minister of Education, has written to primary school parents, teachers and principals insisting the Bermuda Government is determined to address infrastructure problems in public school buildings.

The move comes just days after scores of teachers and children took part in an island-wide demonstration to voice their concerns about the state of the island public schools.

In the letter Mr Scott maintained that “immediate steps were taken to address these issues”.

“When I released the Score Report in February 2016, I made a commitment to everyone involved in the public education system that the Government would find resources to address the serious infrastructure problems facing our schools,” Mr Scott said.

“Immediate steps were taken to address these issues. I was able to visit every primary school, along with our principals, facilities managers, and others to see first-hand the problems raised in the Score Report and by others.

“Following consultation with school principals, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Works have developed a maintenance works schedule to address the most urgent concerns.”

Mr Scott said that health and safety issues had been identified as a first priority and that work to resolve the problems would continue during summer break.

“In order for parents and staff to be provided more information on our improvement efforts, the Acting Commissioner of Education has requested that all principals share with their PTAs, parent councils and staff all of the problem areas identified within schools and the schedule for repair and maintenance,” Mr Scott added.

“I again wish to again thank all students, parents, PTAs, parent councils, primary school alumni, department and school staff, retired educators, unions, community organisations and other interested community members who participated in the school reorganisation consultation.

“Your contributions are valued and are an important part of this process. I have received over 60 formal written submissions, in addition to the numerous verbal and written submissions obtained at each of the public consultation meetings. At this time each submission is being carefully reviewed and considered. This phase of the process is expected to be completed in the upcoming weeks.”