The Bermuda Union of Teachers yesterday said it was “encouraged” by Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch’s moves to fix persistent problems with mould in public schools.

Colonel Burch, the Minister for Public Works, paid a visit to Dellwood Middle School to view first-hand the mould problems that led to the school being closed to pupils.

The union said it was pleased by the visit and by the minister’s view that the process of addressing the needs of schools must be more efficient.

A union spokesman said: “The Bermuda Union of Teachers is saddened that the start of school for students and staff of Dellwood Middle School has been interrupted.

“We, however, have been encouraged by these two things.

“First, the Minister of Works and Engineering himself, Minister Colonel Burch, has walked through the building to see first-hand the needs of the school so that they can be addressed.

“The minister has also stated on numerous occasions that the process of addressing the needs of the schools in the future will be more efficient and effective. We eagerly look forward to this.

“Second, we know that the teaching staff are resilient, can adapt and being the professionals that they are, will ensure that their students will sail through this situation and come through stronger and closer with each other then before.”

Colonel Burch said: “The most important task at hand is to work through new issues identified yesterday at Dellwood and have them addressed.

“A full complement of all stakeholders visited Dellwood and conducted a full assessment of the school and implemented a plan for addressing issues still outstanding.

“A fuller statement on the state and remedies will be issued in due course.”