New Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said that she is against closing schools, but suggested that a major restructuring could still be coming.

Speaking yesterday at her first statement since returning to the Ministry of Education earlier this week, Dame Jennifer announced that Darren Johnston would continue as Chairman of the Board of Education.

Vince Ingham will also continue as Deputy Chairman of the Board.

Both men were said to have resigned last month because of comments made by former Education Minister El James.

Mr. James had said that several schools could be closed by the start of the next school year as part of a massive restructuring.

Dame Jennifer, however, said yesterday: "Those who know me know that I am categorically opposed to closing schools. However, I am for the full usage of everything available to the Ministry of Education.

"We may have to change what we think of as a school."

While members of the opposition have criticised the repeated changing of the Education Minister, Dame Jennifer said that the Ministers all shared a common set of goals.

"I'm sure it has been difficult, but I would like to think that the PLP ministers have all had a common and shared vision," she said.

"I know the public is concerned about consistency during the education reform process. As a result, I am extremely pleased that Mr. Johnston and Mr. Ingham will continue to lead this important process supported by all members of the Board."

She said that when she was named the new Education Minister, she made meeting with Mr. Johnston and Mr. Ingham a priority.

"We met and I can say that it was also a meeting of the minds as we discussed how together we could serve the schoolchildren of Bermuda," she said.

"It was a good discussion and we are of the same mind as it relates to the reforms that must be made and the pace of those reforms."

She also said that on Tuesday she had a three-hour meeting with the Board of Education to discuss how to move forward.

"We had a frank exchange about the current state of education and shared our views on how best to proceed. I can say there is little difference between what I see as a way forward and the plans that the Board are putting in place to get us there."

She said that moving forward, she intended to keep the public aware of the progress being made.

Mr. Johnston said that he and Mr. Ingham were both ready and willing to move ahead, saying: "We stand ready, energised and excited to work with Dame Jennifer to improve our student's outcome.

"If the last few days have been any indication of the pace we are going forward, we will see speed."