Several more government schools are to be investigated for possible mould contamination, education minister Cole Simons told the House of Assembly.

Mr Simons’s remarks come a few weeks after students at TN Tatem Middle School returned after the building was closed for the treatment of extensive mould contamination.

“We do not take these concerns lightly,” the minister told MPs.

“Concerns” at more facilities are to be investigated by a department team with the support of the Bermuda Government’s safety and health co-ordinator.

In particular, Dellwood Middle School, Port Royal Primary School, Prospect Primary School, and the child development programme facility are to be examined.

“After assessment of these facilities, a determination will be made whether any remediation work needs to be carried out,” Mr Simons said.

Mike Charles, of the Bermuda Union of Teachers, suggested that the inspections be broadened to encompass “all the schools”.

“The Score report outlined problems at the primary level,” Mr Charles said, referring to the School Reorganisation Report published last year.

Mould was a problem at 18 schools facing a variety of infrastructural challenges. Mr Charles called the buildings “antiquated”. “It’s an ongoing maintenance problem. As we know, there’s always mould in Bermuda. However, we must take a better look at it.”

The BUT plans to hold two days of workshops next week highlighting health and safety for schools, with visiting expert Eric Kipps to address education representatives.