Thirty education posts are to be axed as part of cost-cutting measures, the Education Minister announced today.In a statement this evening Dame Jennifer Smith said that in line with the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT), all paraprofessionals and educational therapist assistants assigned to public schools with one-year contracts are being notified that their contracts will not be renewed for September.“This decision affects those persons whose role is to assist teachers or provide support to persons who have special needs. The total number of persons affected is thirty out of a total of 150 paraprofessionals and educational therapist assistants.“The BUT Agreement requires that the Ministry advise these persons of their status no later than June 1 in any year and we have complied with this requirement.“However, as parents will be aware, we must still provide the necessary services to students as required. This means that if necessary, we will contact those qualified individuals if needed.“I think the public will agree that while paraprofessionals provide a much needed service, there is also room for improvement. To that end, we plan to establish a clear qualifying standard for paraprofessionals, while also instituting a programme to ensure those who wish to upgrade their skills. I think we can all agree that those who can do so must.“There should be full agreement that those who teach our children must be qualified and certified.“Prior to the end of June, information regarding staff cost reductions in the Department of Education and Ministry Headquarters will be released.”