The Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT) is waiting to meet with Government before its members opt for or against an idea to keep schools open throughout the year.

General secretary Mike Charles said the union is not opposed in theory, but needs more information before it can determine where it stands on the issue from the Education Ministry directly rather than the pages of The Royal Gazette.

"They have not had any discussions with us about it," said Mr. Charles. "Usually we get our information in the newspaper. We would be willing to talk [with the Ministry] about it."

Education Minister El James and Education Commissioner Wendy McDonell discussed the possibility of year-round schooling in an interview with this newspaper last week.

At that time they insisted the Ministry is working to become more transparent, keeping its doors open to stakeholders and sharing information.

"I would say we have definitely taken that approach with parents and community agencies," said Mrs. McDonell. "And also, in the last 18 months, [it's evident in our work] with board members. They have a voice and are helping to make policies.

"The number of parents that come here now and come in and talk with me and even the Minister. And, we meet with the unions regularly."

Yesterday the Ministry did not return phone calls or e-mails about Mr. Charles' claim that the union is kept in the dark on issues.

Mr. James told The Royal Gazette the Ministry was considering lengthening the school year in an effort to stamp out gang violence and get young men off the streets.

"It facilitates continuous learning because the children will be out of school for shorter periods," he said. "So let's just imagine what we would do.

"Let's say we split it up into four nine-week terms so nine weeks on and two weeks off. The teacher would have to spend less time in reteaching like they do now at the end of the summer."

Although just an idea at the moment, Mr. James said it could move forward if there is favourable public reaction.

Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons and chairman of Bermuda Educational Parents' Association Myron Piper, both questioned how gang violence could be reduced by lengthening the school year. Dr. Gibbons suggested it might be more effective to extend the school day while Mr. Piper pointed out that the constant drudge could make students tired of school.

Mr. Charles said the BUT wasn't opposed to the idea but needed more information.

"I don't know how year-round school or longer school days would impact on gang violence," he said. "It would be interesting to see how that would cut down gang violence. If that's the case, you could put all the gangs in prison."

He continued: "I don't know if their figures show that there's more gang violence in the summer than when school is in. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered but we don't have a problem [with the idea]."

However, Mr. Charles insisted, the move would have to suit both students and educators. "I can't just say offhand if it's going to be better or not. We would have to look at what we have presently. It is not only the students who have to benefit, the workers have to benefit.

"Teachers are already stressed out in the time they have to teach school. We'd like to see some figures. Give us some statistics. What affects the schools affects the community and what affects the community affects the schools."

Mixed reactions came in from this newspaper's readers on the topic.

One reader said: "Sure there will be family vacations — but they usually don't last the entire summer. With the schools being open all year, and two-week breaks being intermittent, it gives families more options to vacation during the off-peak times. This would be a cost savings to them."

Another reader said: "Absolutely not year-round schools for teachers unless it is optional. Teaching is not only stressful, but hard work. You don't know the extent teachers look forward to having those two months off in the summer. It is well needed, well deserved and well received. I don't feel this is the solution to the gang-related problems. Government needs to crackdown on the punishments and consequences these persons can face when participating in gang related activities."

Another came out in support of the idea: "This is the first forward-thinking and innovative idea the Ministry of Education has had in many decades and deserves real consideration. The current model for the school term is grossly outdated. Each summer for eight to ten weeks, parents are burdened with the stress of securing suitable and affordable camps or care for their children. I would instead prefer to invest such money into the security of the schools, knowing that it will be advantageous to my child's education."