Updates on the island’s sweeping education reforms came to the Senate as the minister responsible said during the Budget debate that the overhaul would continue with transparency.

Crystal Caesar, who assumed the portfolio in February, told the Upper House: “The health of the education reform programme and project will be better tracked by embedding key performance indicators in all work streams, to monitor progress of the stated scope of work and to measure the return on public investments.

“The results will also be made public in line with transparency and accountability for the expenditure of public funds.”

The ministry’s overall allocation rose 7 per cent to $149.2 million, which Ms Caesar said included school improvements.

Staffing was another significant area of spending, with a 26 per cent increase in the Budget for substitute teachers.

Ms Caesar highlighted capital works at schools, including continuing improvements at Purvis Primary School and Francis Patton Primary School.

She said that new buildings were built at both schools in the last Budget year, and additional work was still on the cards, with upgraded furniture and equipment.

“At Elliot Primary School in 2024-25, planning took place to identify critical requirements for its opening in September 2025 as a parish school,” Ms Caesar said.

“In 2025-26, storage rooms will be transformed into working spaces for counsellors and multiple teacher work stations. Changes will also be made to several classrooms to improve learning environments for Stem [science, technology, engineering and maths] and other subject areas.

“A lower school book room will also be created, and the staff room upgraded.”

Harrington Sound Primary School will also undergo renovations in advance of becoming a parish school, including relocating the principal’s office to the ground floor and turning the old office into a classroom.

“Minor works will also open up spaces for teachers offices,” Ms Caesar added. “Public Works will investigate the need for new air conditioning and efforts will be considered for increasing parking at the school.”

Works will also be carried out at Sandys Secondary Middle School to transform the building into a new signature school for September, including upgrades to the library, cafeteria and reception area.

Ms Caesar said progress continued on the creation of a new Education Authority, crediting the Education Authority Working Group headed by Philip Butterfield.

She added: “Although the timeline to bring forward that legislation has been longer than anticipated, it is still a major priority under Education Reform.

“The time and effort invested during unforeseen delays will help to produce sound legislation that will meet the vision and requirements for the future governance of public education system.”

Ms Caesar said a phased approach would be adopted for the implementation of the legislation.

She told senators that she had pledged further engagement with stakeholders to ensure their views were heard.

Ms Caesar said the ministry had seen progress with its Learning Partnerships initiative, which gives students hands-on experiences thanks to collaboration with community partners.

She added: “In many ways, these are a modern advancement on the work release programmes of our day, and are only possible because caring and willing individuals, companies and organisations have stepped forward to invest in young people and Bermuda’s future economy.”