The One Bermuda Alliance has criticised the Government for cutting spending on paraprofessionals when teachers are calling out for more support.

Ben Smith, the Opposition Leader, said the cuts were particualrly jarring when the Government hiked spending on Department of Education general administration costs by 36 per cent in the same Budget.

“[These decisions leave] you wondering who really is the priority for the Government where it pertains to public education,” Mr Smith said.

“It is moving in the wrong direction at a time when more students need more support than ever.

“The Government has highlighted that early intervention is critical, but has not increased the support resources available.”

In the Budget, the Ministry’s allocation for paraprofesionals was cut by $475,000 or six per cent while general administration expenditures was increased to $1.12 million.

Mr Smith’s comments came days after the Bermuda Union of Teachers called for more support for students with mental health and behavioural challenges.

A BUT spokesman said that students with these unique needs cannot learn “in any meaningful or sustained way” without proper support.

The union called for more paraprofessionals, psychologists, social workers and educational, physical and occupational therapists in Bermuda’s public schools.

Mr Smith said: “Classrooms are under pressure, children who need help are not getting it and teachers are being pushed to the limit.”

He said students often wait years for psychological assessments and asked why support has been cut “where it matters most”.

Mr Smith added: “Here is what needs to be done — make the Department of Education less top heavy, increase resources in schools, hire more staff that are desperately needed and increase therapeutic services for students.”

He concluded: “We can no longer deny that the public education system is in crisis, but the question remains does the Government have what it takes to fix it?

“There can no longer be excuses, our teachers and education support staff deserve better.”

The Royal Gazette contacted the Ministry of Education for comment.