Saltus plans to launch a multi-million-dollar development plan which will include new classrooms, a "large'' playground and an access road with extra parking and pickup facilities at Woodlands Road in Pembroke.

The plan will be possible due to more than $3.5 million promised and given to the school through its fund-raising drive, The Saltus Appeal, which began in May.

Headed by businessman and Saltus parent Fernance Perry, the appeal had an initial goal of $1 million. But after its unexpected early success, the target was raised to $6 million.

And principal Trevor Rowell yesterday told The Royal Gazette he was more confident than ever that the school will reach that goal.

"We are indebted to the school's trustees -- 100 percent of whom have made personal commitments to the programme -- and to those Old Boys, friends, staff and parents who responded during the `silent phase' of the campaign with donations totalling $1.1 million,'' he stressed.

"I must also pay tribute to the corporate community which has pledged another $2.4 million to enable Saltus to add vital classroom space and further improve academic facilities in all three departments, Saltus-Cavendish Preparatory School and both the Junior and Senior Schools.'' With Planning permission, Saltus hopes to add three classrooms at the Cavendish site by September, next year, and four classrooms at the Junior School by September, 1998.

The decision to add classroom space emerged from a year-long, consultative process which resulted in the development plan.

"During the discussions, our parents expressed concern about the school's waiting lists,'' Mr. Rowell said.

Applications for spaces in the school varied from a half-dozen to 50, depending on the grade.

But he estimated there were about 150 students on the waiting list for Primary One to Junior Seven classes.

"By opening a modest five to 15 extra places in each preparatory and junior school grade over the next few years, class sizes will overall be reduced,'' he said, adding this would improve the student-teacher ratio and help student achievement.

The additional classroom space would also reduce the waiting list and provide more space for newcomers, Mr. Rowell said.

"Saltus is committed to providing educational opportunities for the children of Bermudians, and for those of foreign residents, and our proposed expansion programme will benefit both,'' he pointed out.

"The school recognises the special niche occupied by the exempted companies in Bermuda and feels it is doing its part to assist the Island as it seeks to remain an attractive location for dynamic and important businesses.'' During the summer heads of private schools met with international companies to discuss their concerns about a noticeable shortage of space in the schools because of an influx of students, believed to be largely due to parents' uncertainty about the ongoing public school reform.

And both local and international companies have come to the private school's aid, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars in the form of scholarships, school materials, and time, according to private school head teachers.

But yesterday, Mr. Rowell said he viewed Saltus' expansion plans as a "win, win'' situation.

"We've got smaller classes which is good for our students; more classes so that people on our waiting list can get in, and people coming to the Island will have a greater choice,'' he noted. "This can only benefit the community.''