plans are implemented smoothly, it was announced yesterday.

The $350,000-a-year plan, which was revealed to the House of Assembly by Education Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons, includes a $51,000 posting for a communications officer.

The Opposition questioned the plan as a duplication of Government's already existing Information Service and as a cost splurge at a time of spending restraint.

Mr. Simons began his statement saying Government is working "long and hard'' to revamp the Island's public school system.

He said plans for the change, which involves creating five middle schools and two senior secondary schools, and integrating children with special needs into the regular school system, were carried out by education officers while they continue to manage the existing school system.

"Their commitment to this project is commendable and appreciated,'' Mr.

Simons said.

But he added: "This project requires the development of new curriculum documents, new and improved facilities and specially trained staff.

"Needless to say good planning and overall management are required.

"I am pleased to say that we have now reached the point where we need to set up a special implementation team to expedite the process of change.'' The temporary team will include a project manager, and four people in the following areas; facilities development, curriculum preparation, personnel selection and development, and communications.

The advertisement for one of the positions, Communications Officer, appeared in the Official Gazette yesterday.

And Mr. Simons said advertisements for the other positions will run next week, with interviews following soon after.

The Communications Officer post, recommended by the Education Planning Team, calls for someone who will assist in preparing information on restructuring for parents and the public and will liaise with the media.

The successful applicant for the job, which pays up to $51,000, must have a university degree in journalism, communication, or English literature or equivalent plus a minimum of three years post-qualification experience in public information/communications.

"The post holder must have demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills and a knowledge of the education system is essential,'' the advertisement states.'' The project manager and three other positions will pay up to $70,000 and $74,500, respectively.

With the public school system expected to be completely restructured by September 1995, the successful applicants will hold the positions for the next three years.

Mr. Simons said Government considered increasing staff at its Information Services office to fulfil the role of the special implementation team.

"We explored that route,'' he said, "but we felt it was best to assign persons directly to the Ministry.

However, Mr. Simons pointed out that the Ministry has worked closely with Information Services director Mr. Gavin Shorto who was "very much'' involved in drawing up the job descriptions for the special team posts.

And he stressed that the Ministry will continue to work closely with Information Services.

"The establishment of the implementation team will enable the Ministry to maintain the strengths and traditional values of our existing system while we prepare for a new and exciting future,'' he said.

Opposition spokesman Miss Jennifer Smith said the communications post seemed to be a duplication of the purpose and function of Government's Information Service. "At this time of economic restraint, I find it difficult to understand how the Finance Minister has allowed this to happen,'' she said during the House motion to adjourn.

"It seems to me the Education Ministry has a free hand when it comes to conducting their finances. The Education Ministry needs a watchdog. I don't understand why this department operates with impunity.'' Miss Smith also criticised what she considered to be the Education Ministry's selective adoption of Education Planning Team recommendations on the new school system -- rejecting, for instance, an advisor to help pupils and teachers during the transition period.

"This is something that would be of immediate benefit to children through the entire school systemm'' she said.

HON. Gerald Simons.