Whitney Institute Middle School has been saved from closure.

Education Minister Randolph Horton announced an agreement has been reached which will ensure the school's doors re-open in September. A $1.5 million summer renovation package will make safe the building, with all classrooms to comply with Government health and safety standards.

"The cloud of uncertainty hanging over our faculty and staff has been lifted," said Mr. Horton yesterday.

"I am pleased to jointly announce that the Ministry of Education and the Board of Trustees of the Whitney Institute have agreed, following the completion of first-phase renovation, to admit all students designated by the Ministry to attend Whitney in September, inclusive of M1, M2 and M3."

The terms of the agreement however, such as how long the school will remain in the public education system, were not disclosed. Mr. Horton said: "The agreement is the school remains open and we will continue to offer assistance. There is much longevity there."

Government however, will also be exploring the possibility of constructing a new school altogether. The Minister said: "That is something we will be discussing with Trustees. The Government will sit down with Works and Engineering, with the Trustees, and work out the way we move from here."

Phase One of the renovations will focus on the installation of fire alarms; testing of electrical installations; safer flooring; and weather-proofing of the building. M2 Block will remain closed in September but three portable classrooms will house students.

Mr. Horton said: "The $1.5 million will have us in place for September. After that, we are presently in talks with the Trustees as to how exactly we will move forward.

"What is important is the continued dialogue. We have a good relationship with the Trustees but I don't think we have talked enough in the past, and we will certainly now talk more."

The agreement ends the stand-off between the Education Ministry, Trustees and the parents.

The Trustees originally wrote to the Ministry in May, arguing that the 125-year-old termite-infested school was unsafe and would close at the end of June unless Government actioned emergency renovations. Complaints from staff included rats, poor plumbing, slippery floors, lack of disabled access, a faulty fire alarm and falling light fixtures.

But the Ministry refused to provide cash for repairs unless the Trustees committed to staying in the public education system for five years.

On June 29, it appeared an agreement had been reached, with the Board saying it would remain in the system until 2013 and the Ministry pledging resources to maintain the school in a "fit and proper manner".

Since then however, parents have objected to the plans, with reports of up to 20 pulling their children from the school. Last week, Mr. Horton said he would have to re-discuss the plans for Whitney with Cabinet, following complaints from parents about M1 students having to attend other schools in September due to the proposed renovations.

Commenting on the lengthy negotiations yesterday, Mr. Horton said: "This road has not been easy, but progress to this point has been aided by all the teachers and parents who have given this situation at Whitney their full attention and provided us with valuable suggestions and constructive recommendations.

"Seeking the means to keep the school open in September was all that this Government ever sought in the first place. As an aided school, the operation and maintenance of Whitney Institute falls on its Trustees. After visiting the school myself, I knew that repairs were essential, and said so.

"Even though Government is not charged with the responsibility for maintaining the physical plant at the school, we assisted where we could."

Mr. Horton said Whitney had received almost $4 million in aid over the past five years.

"I reiterate the point that Government is committed to the health and safety of every school," he said. "This Government is committed to ensuring the highest levels of public education for the citizens of this country."

Whitney Institute Principal Dr. Freddie Evans said: "This is an exciting day. I am very pleased we are opening the school with a full complement of students, and I have already received calls from parents who are coming back.

"This issue has been long-standing but the Minister has taken it to heart to ensure we will be a healthy and safe school as we open in September.

"I am also grateful to the parents for offering their support, in insisting this school is not only valuable to their lives but also to the community."

Dr. Evans said the school was to become more "streamlined" with a faculty of 40 and up to 300 students. He said staff numbers would be cut by three, due to the retirement of one teacher, another staff member's request for a transfer, and a contract teacher being needed at another school.

Terrance Stovell, deputy chairman of the Trustees, said: "It has been a challenging time, and there have been times of frustration, but at times like this actions must be based on reason rather than emotion. We now look forward to the future, to make sure Whitney has an ongoing relationship with the Government and lends itself to provide public education."

Wendall Eve, President of Whitney PTA, added: "I am ecstatic today. I'd like to thank those who stood by us and helped us. We even had people from 30 years ago, back in the day, who stood by us and supported us. The Government is listening to us and we thank them for that."