Unexpected renovation problems have forced the closure of Dellwood Primary School starting today.

And education officials yesterday could not say when classes would resume for its more than 300 pupils.

Dellwood has been under renovations for the past few months as a part of plans to convert it to a middle school by September.

But yesterday two frustrated parents told The Royal Gazette the conditions under which their children were required to learn was becoming unbearable.

Chairman of the school's restructuring committee Leonard Santucci issued the Education Department an ultimatum.

"I asked them if the school will close voluntarily or whether I have to call the Health Department to have it closed,'' he said.

A mother, who did not wish to identify herself, said the majority of parents were upset about the construction.

"The kids are terrified with the pounding going on,'' she said. "Children can't see in some classrooms where there are only about three fluorescent lights working.'' Noting that the school has experienced electrical and plumbing problems and students' movements have been restricted since demolition on the north of side of the Pembroke property began, Mr. Santucci explained most teachers took the children on school outings to keep them away from the area.

But he said parents and teachers could not ignore the situation at the school yesterday when toilets could not flush, rain water soaked the assembly hall floor, and the fire alarm rang for almost an hour after it was accidentally triggered by construction workers.

And Mr. Santucci -- who left his son crying in his wife's arms because the child was frightened by the school's fire alarm -- has vowed that his son will not return until conditions have been sorted out.

"I believe that the Ministry has woefully neglected these children'' he said.

"These children are being put through a living hell.'' Mr. Santucci also said Education Minister Jerome Dill was "leading Government through his Ministry in spending money, but as far as his word was concerned it is not worth a nickel''.

"I believe the Minister owes the children an apology and the Ministry owes the teachers and staff who have performed admirably under trying conditions an apology,'' he stressed.

When contacted, principal Dale Butler referred inquiries to the Education Department.

But he added the school "will bend over backwards'' to ensure that students' education was not compromised.

"I have a staff who will rally around to get things done,'' Mr. Butler said when asked about the disruption to students during exam time. "There were a couple of tests scheduled for tomorrow, but that will be rearranged.

"We will do whatever it takes to keep the students safe and ensure that exams are completed.'' Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher explained the school had experienced some problems with its sewage system and some panelling which was erected to separate worksites.

But he said as soon as Education Department officials became aware of the problems yesterday afternoon they visited the school and determined that it would have to close today.

The department would determine when classes would resume after a proper evaluation of the situation, he added.

Mr. Dill said the Ministry realised that the move from Dellwood and the conversion of the site to a middle school created "great challenges'' for students, teachers, and parents.

But he added: "There is no question of us neglecting Dellwood.'' He said the Ministry planned to close the school earlier for the summer to allow teachers to prepare for the conversion.