The fundraising arm of a school for alternative learning has appointed a former MP and a retired principal to its board of directors.

The Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning Foundation announced the appointments of Glen Smith and Linda Parker.

Mr Smith is an entrepreneur who was deputy mayor of Hamilton and the One Bermuda Alliance MP for Devonshire North West from 2012 to 2017.

He was also a trustee at Somersfield Academy and the Reading Clinic, and served on the board of Family Centre and the Argo Foundation.

The BCCL said in a statement: “Once mischaracterised as a slow learner, Mr Smith was later diagnosed with dyslexia, a formative experience that deepened his empathy for the everyday struggles of working Bermudians.”

Ms Parker worked in education for 40 years. She was the head of English at Whitney Institute Middle School and CedarBridge Academy, where she also served as deputy principal.

Ms Parker then moved to the Bermuda High School for Girls, her alma mater, and served as its head of school from 2007 until retiring in 2023.

The BCCL said: “Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn and flourish given a positive and supportive learning environment.”

Lisa Smart, the chair of the BCCL Foundation, added: “[Mr Smith and Ms Parker] bring a unique perspective, a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to empowering young people, especially those who learn differently.

“Their leadership will be instrumental as we expand our efforts to support bursaries, programmes and facility improvements at BCCL.”