A Government meeting last night to update the public on education reform was dominated by concern over the future management of aided schools.

Up to 150 people packed the World Heritage Centre in St. George's to hear the Ministry of Education's proposed reforms and legislative changes following the ten recommendations of the Hopkins Report. The majority however, were parents and trustees of St. George's Preparatory School, who expressed opposition to plans for 'school cluster boards' to change the way aided schools are run.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," was one parent's response during a heated question and answer session to Education Minister Randy Horton, Dr. Henry Johnson - the reform process Consultant Executive Officer, and Interim Executive Board chairman, Bank of Bermuda CEO Philip Butterfield.

Many said they were anxious that Government could replace the management of their school in the hands of a new general board responsible for a cluster of schools. Former St. George's principal Mervyn Moorhead has said that aided schools operate effectively due to the boards being appointed by their trustees, thereby allowing headteachers a direct influence on the way they are run.

The damning Hopkins Report also held up aided schools as an example for the rest of the Island to follow in terms of improving the education system.

Last night however, Mr. Horton said the cluster boards were the way forward for the Island, to ensure that everyone benefits from the best areas and expertise in public education through collaborative effort. Mr. Horton sought to reassure members of the public, along with Dr. Johnson and Mr. Butterfield.

The Minister described the cluster boards as he outlined proposed amendments to the Education Act, including raising the school leaving age to 18. The legislative changes will be tabled before the House of Assembly at the end of July.

Mr. Horton said: "We're looking to have six clusters - one cluster to each middle school and one for senior schools and special schools. Each of those clusters will be responsible for all the schools in the cluster.

"The idea is to increase the level of collaboration between all schools in Bermuda. We have a responsibility to see that every single child in Bermuda has an equal opportunity.

"For example if there's a great teacher in School A, then that great teacher should not only be assisting other teachers in his or her school, but the great work they are doing should be spread to all schools.

"We want to see every school benefit from the great teachers that are in our schools. It doesn't happen now, as schools are too individualistic. This is what's important - the whole collaboration aspect of the cluster boards."

One parent said: "I like the word 'collaborative' but the cluster model, why would we want to do that when it's clear the report suggests the aided schools are a strong model? Why not take parts of the aided school system? I believe there's some positive things in the cluster model but let's not take what is not broken from that model."

Mr. Horton said: "What we would like to do is use the expertise of the aided schools. When we have cluster boards they will be as good as the aided school boards which are there.

"We want to provide more autonomy for our schools, we want all principals to have the same level of autonomy aided schools have. That is what this system will do."

The Minister added: "It's important too that all schools be treated the same. There is no school better than the other.

"As we move forward it's important for us that we are not taking anything away from any school in the system, but we want to make sure that what a schools is doing right is moved across to help other schools to grow and become a great school."

Giving Berkeley Institute as an example, the Minister said: "In that particular cluster we would ensure there were enough representatives from Berkeley to be part of that cluster board so the experience they have would be passed on to that particular cluster board."

He added: "We are not looking to move any teacher out of any school, but if there's a great maths teacher in St. George's he or she could be taken out for a week. I don't know what will happen but we are saying let's spread the wealth of the country."

Dr. Johnson added: "Nothing will be taken away from St. George's or any other school, but it will be sharing of resources - I don't mean financial but expertise."

The Ministry of Education is due to meet the board of St. George's Preparatory this Friday.

Are you a parent at an aided school? What are your views? Email: news@royalgazette.bm.