Public schools saw a 71 per cent boost in capital spending in the Budget for improvements to their buildings and infrastructure.

The Budget also contained a $14-million package for the Ministry of Education to upgrade facilities and invest in new technology at the schools and the Bermuda College.

While the allocation is notable, with education reform plans now on hold there will be more schools to maintain since previously announced closures are not now going ahead for at least a year based on an recent announcement from Crystal Caesar, the Minister of Education.

Northlands Primary School in Pembroke, West End Primary in Sandys and Port Royal Primary in Southampton had all been previously slated for closure this year.

Additionally, Dellwood Middle School in Pembroke was to close as a middle school in June and Sandys Secondary Middle School was to close as a middle school in June 2027.

The Ministry of Education was allocated $156.5 million, representing an increase of $7.3 million, or 5 per cent, over the previous year.

The budget of the Education Reform Unit, which was charged with designing the future of the island's public education system as part of the reform, was slashed 33 per cent to $2,640,000. The overseas consultant Third Story [formerly Innovation Unit], which worked alongside the unit, saw its contract ended in December.

Mr Burt said of this year’s capital investment: “This includes phased safety and security upgrades, electrical and ICT readiness improvements, and initiatives to improve air quality and cooling in classrooms.

“Capital and operating investments will also support continued enhancements to signature schools at The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy and Sandys Secondary School, alongside upgrades to technological infrastructure such as modernised computer labs, faster internet access and expanded use of digital learning platforms.”

A graph within the Budget highlighting the capital projects exceeding $1 million showed a $5.6-million allocation for “education reform classrooms”, $3 million for school maintenance and $2.4 million for “education computers”.

Mr Burt added: “The Government will bring forward a capital programme to fund the renovation and modernisation of public schools, ensuring that students across all parishes are learning in safe, modern and properly equipped environments.

“This investment is focused on ensuring that every child has access to a learning environment that supports their development and potential.”

The Department of Education saw a staffing decrease of full-time equivalents of 4 per cent from 1,082 to 1,040 but the overall budget for the department was up 6 per cent to $133.9 million.

The ministry headquarters budget allocation was down 7 per cent to $6,968,000 while the Bermuda College allocation remained static at $15,574,000.

The ministry’s Scholarships and Awards funding increased by $420,000, or 24 per cent, bringing the total to $2.2 million for postsecondary education.

Mr Burt said: “This expanded investment provides more opportunities for young adults to access financial support and pursue tertiary education and training.

“The number of Bermuda government scholarships has increased by two, specifically to support students demonstrating proficiency and interest in creative arts and health and sports-related fields.

“Additional funding has been allocated across several award categories …

“Funding is also provided for Bermuda College, supporting delivery of its 2025-30 strategic plan, expanded programme accessibility, stronger alignment with Bermuda’s workforce and economic priorities, and preparation for an upcoming accreditation review.”

The Budget addressed the “many pressures” seen within the education system. Mr Burt said: “Too often, access to counselling and early mental health support, particularly for young people, has been fragmented or inconsistent at the point when it could make the greatest difference.

“This Budget provides for the reinstatement and phased integration of counselling services, including youth counselling, within a co-ordinated framework that aligns health, education and social services.

“The intention is not to recreate isolated programmes but to ensure that counselling support is accessible, properly resourced and progressively embedded within the systems that already work with young people and families.

“It is our view that help earlier means fewer emergencies later.

“By intervening earlier and more consistently, we reduce the likelihood that manageable challenges escalate into crises that place heavier strain on hospitals, courts and social services. This is a disciplined and preventive investment that improves wellbeing, supports families and helps lower long-term public costs.”

The overall allocation for Student Services within the Department of Education was static at $21.6 million. Services for autism dipped 20 per cent to $741,000. Under the department, an allocation for school psychology saw an increase of $40,000 to $1,335,000. The number of full-time equivalents under the heading Child Development was up 5 to 20.

Teacher salaries ranged from $82,251 to $117,069. School principals’ salaries ranged from $146,922 to $159,093 while deputy principal salaries ranged from $117,708 to $148,186.

Overall salaries in the department were up 6 per cent to $77,504,000, while wages were up 12 per cent to $9,328,000.