One of the minister’s first announcements after returning to the Ministry of Education was his intention to establish an education authority. The One Bermuda Alliance has consistently supported that idea because Bermuda’s public education system needs stability, consistency and leadership that extends beyond any political cycle.

Our schools should not have to change direction every time there is a new minister or a different approach within Cabinet. Students attend school for 13 years before moving on to tertiary education. They deserve an education system that is built around long-term planning, not short-term politics.

An education authority has the potential to provide that stability, but only if it is given the independence to do its job properly.

During a recent interview, the minister described the proposed authority as operating at arm’s length from the Government. That is an encouraging starting point, but the legislation itself will determine whether the authority has genuine independence or simply a different reporting structure.

The public will want to understand how members of the authority are appointed, what experience they bring, how schools will be held accountable and where responsibility ultimately sits for improving student outcomes.

These are not technical questions. They go to the heart of whether parents can have confidence that decisions affecting their children will be made in the best interests of education rather than politics.

The OBA will study the legislation carefully when it is introduced in September. We will support measures that strengthen accountability, empower school leadership and give educators the confidence to focus on teaching and learning.

An education authority should also be judged by the difference it makes. If it becomes another layer of administration, it will have missed the opportunity for real reform. If it gives schools stronger leadership, clearer accountability and a relentless focus on student achievement, then it will have been worth creating.

We support an education authority that is genuinely independent, transparent in how it operates and accountable for the performance of Bermuda’s public education system.

The measure of its success will not be how it is described in legislation. It will be whether parents, teachers and students see a better education system because of it.

• Ben Smith is Leader of the Opposition and One Bermuda Alliance MP for Smith’s South