Whitney Institute Middle School will close this summer unless Government can come up with an emergency plan to renovate its termite-infested ageing building.

The school's trustees have written to the Ministry of Education to say they are not prepared to put the safety of children and teachers at risk following the breakdown of a multi-million dollar refurbishment programme.

Their letter states that the school will close in June — giving Whitney's 300 pupils and 40 teachers three months to find a place somewhere else ahead of the new term.

Education Minister Randolph Horton, who says he hopes to overturn the decision, is holding a crisis meeting with trustees this afternoon, at which he is expected to explain the plan for the future of the building.

Late last night, Mr. Horton said the Ministry had already shared a plan with the trustees which would have ensured the school was safe by September, but that it was rejected.

Earlier yesterday evening, Whitney Educational Trust chairman Tom Davis told The Royal Gazette the school would only stay open if a concrete plan is in place before September.

Teachers say current problems include termites and rats, bad plumbing, slippery floors, lack of disabled access and a faulty fire alarm, while the light fixtures fell from the ceiling recently. The block in the most serious need of renovation was built in the 1960s.

Mr. Davis said last night: "We have been concerned about the condition of the school for some time and we have tried to get things done.

"We need to make sure there's a safe and healthy environment for the students and teachers.

"When a plan hasn't been forthcoming that you feel comfortable with, the trustees felt that in the interests of the students and teachers we couldn't keep the school open.

"Obviously, writing a letter like that, there has been reaction. We are going to have an emergency meeting with the Minister.

"He had talked about having a meeting with the trustees some time ago, but the letter sets out our position — this is how strongly we feel about it.

"We want a meaningful plan. We want to see what is this plan, and have some kind of agreement around it.

"The trustees feel strongly enough about the situation at the school that we are not prepared to reopen it without a solid plan before September."

Mr. Horton said last night: "I was disappointed to receive the letter from the board of trustees after the Ministry of Education has worked with the Ministry of Works and Engineering on preparing a plan for addressing inadequate facilities at Whitney Institute.

"We have a plan that was shared with the chairman of the board indicating that the school would be made ready to accept students in a safe environment in September of this year.

"I have been informed that the board of trustees did not approve that plan and that they made the decision to close in June, unfortunately, without the benefit of a presentation from the Ministry of Works and Engineering and the Ministry of Education.

"I am very concerned that a decision like this has been taken and I will work with the board of trustees to have it reversed. We intend to meet with the board tomorrow (Tuesday) to discuss this important matter and will continue to do so until it is resolved.

"The Ministry urges all the parents and teachers to assist in ensuring that student learning is not negatively impacted."

Principal Freddie Evans informed staff yesterday.

One teacher told this newspaper: "Of course, there's utter confusion. Nobody knows where they will be working. There was shock, confusion and anger."

She said the anger was mainly directed at the Ministry for failing to tackle the problem, adding: "The buildings at the school really really do need to be repaired. It's been going on for a number of years. People are just fed up."

Another said: "They are deplorable conditions. Whitney is a very old building and has been in need of maintenance for a very long time."

The Royal Gazette reported in October 2006 how plans to renovate Whitney were approved — but that it was unclear where the $35 million to pay for it would come from. As a public school, Government appeared to be the most likely source of funds.

Bermuda's other four middle schools have been upgraded in recent years. Whitney did get a new assembly hall in the 1990s, but other requests for capital projects at the school have been rejected.

Even if it stays open, Whitney could be subject to major changes in the coming months, as it is one of the Island's four threatened aided schools.

The Ministry of Education is considering replacing aided schools — run by their own board of trustees — with so-called cluster boards which would have responsibility for running a number of schools.

Teachers and parents have hit out at the proposals, saying aided schools work efficiently as the principal is able to appoint his or her own staff. Mr. Horton has said he will listen to the public's concerns before making a final decision.

Do you have a view? E-mail tsmith[[AT]]royalgazette.bm