Disgusted Dellwood Middle School teachers and students staged a surprise walkout yesterday morning to protest classroom conditions.

The action ended around 9.30 a.m. upon the arrival of education and PTA officials who agreed to meet on the matter.

The Royal Gazette understands that the incident was the climax of weeks of frustration by students and teachers who had to learn and teach in filthy classrooms.

When contacted yesterday, principal Carol Bassett said: "There was a major problem with custodial services. It is in the process of being resolved. I'd prefer not to comment further.'' She referred inquiries to Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher.

But Bermuda Union of Teachers organiser Milton Scott said Education officials had not decided how the school will be cleaned.

"I know custodians there cannot do the work.'' he said. "But the school was filthy.

"I'm sure if the Chief Education Officer and Permanent Secretary went into their offices and found such conditions, they would not want to work there.

School to be cleaned up "Teachers and students walked out of classes early this morning. They were instructed to return to them around 9.30 a.m. But I'm sure their point was made.'' Sen. Scott said he was told he could not attend a meeting between Education officials, school staff, and parents "because it was an administration matter''.

But he added: "I assume the Ministry will be responsible and ensure that the school is clean by Monday. It must be clean. Our children deserve much more than that.

"$5 million has been spent on the school. And it is just the first month of school.'' Meanwhile, Dr. Christopher explained that he met with Mrs. Bassett and the manager of the cleaning company responsible for the school.

"We discussed some of the environmental conditions which precipitated what occurred,'' he said. The conditions, he added, included problems with "unusual'' floors and mud which was being tracked on them.

Dr. Christopher declined to reveal the name of the company, explaining it was only there temporarily.

However, he said: "We have an agreement to have the school cleaned by Monday and I will be visiting the school on Monday to check that this is the case.'' "We expect that a permanent cleaning company will be in place next week,'' he noted.

PTA president Leonard Santucci said he was satisfied with the Education Department's handling of the matter.

There is a in place to establish a contractor for the cleaning of the building,'' he said. "The terms of reference were being clarified based on the needs of the school.

"There was a meeting this morning and we have determined how best to address those needs. The situation was an unfortunate one, but a learning experience for everyone involved.

"I'm of the opinion that it has been rectified. It is our hope that they will not find the same conditions on Monday.'' Mr. Santucci noted that the school was dealing with things this year that were not in place last year mainly because of the size of the facility.

"We're dealing with a larger physical plant for one,'' he said. "I'm grateful for the Education staff's support this morning.''