Government is looking at a radical shake-up of the education system that could include the closure of five primary schools.

Other options include consolidating smaller primary schools and moving preschools into buildings the Government owns, or have primary schools run from P1 to P7 and do away with middle schools.

Here is what some of you said about those proposals on e-mail or on our Facebook page.

In an e-mail, Renee Dill said: "I have a child at the senior level but she is actually graduating this year but I have a son who will start primary school in September and am a little distraught at the news from Government to close down some primary schools."

Teresa Edwards added her viewpoint in an e-mail, saying: "I think it is a ridiculous idea. The public primary school system is the only untainted education system at this point. If nothing is wrong with it why change?"

Sharnell Hewey e-mailed in support of the proposals, saying: "Wonderful plans for public school system reforms. Great thinking, please keep up the good work and put plans into action. Delighted of what I have heard. Not to throw too much on your plate but free college education should also go up to masters level. Bermudians will definitely be ready for the workforce then! A 29 year old!"

However, Nhuri BashirIt said: "Sounds like logic defies these consultants/government. Bricks and mortar do not make a school — books and teachers do. Spend the millions of dollars on curriculums, not buildings."

And Shandi Furbert e-mailed, saying: "Bermuda Government always has an issue of fixing things that are not broken."

Katharyn J. Albouy-Grant had her say: "I feel that they shouldn't do this because 28 teachers would be out of jobs and right now is not the time for anybody to be out of a job."

There was also a vigorous debate on our Facebook page with people generally against the idea of shutting five primary schools.

Nathan Atcheson said: "Don't build/close schools....just admit that adopting the middle school concept and building a mega-high school was a ridiculous idea....re-set the primary to high school system and re-open middle schools as high schools."

Then Omar James said: "UBP had their chance to ruin the public education system on the Island. This is just the PLP's plan to leave their own blemish on our once adequate system."

Theresa Tannock made her point: "This whole situation hurts my heart! These kids are our future!! Don't they realise that all this craziness is why we are where we are at right now!"

l For a full version of reader reaction visit our website www.theroyalgazette.com