The public, particularly parents, may soon be able to reach education officials and schools via direct telephone lines.

New Education Minister Tim Smith revealed this yesterday to The Royal Gazette in his first in-depth interview since taking over the post two weeks ago.

An advocate of the open-door policy, Mr. Smith stressed the importance of connecting with parents to reach students.

"I'm going to be a very strong proponent of PTAs,'' said the 36-year-old father. "It is so critical that one puts their mind, heart and soul into young people. And the people that care so much about their hearts, minds, and souls are the parents.'' Mr. Smith admitted he would like to see the school system develop closer ties with parents.

"We have to improve the communication with parents,'' he said, adding that when he met with parents two days into the job they demanded regular reports on their children's performance at school.

"Improving communication is essential,'' he continued. "I've thought of setting up a direct line to this office for parents, principals, business leaders and anyone who has (education) issues that need to be addressed.

"I would love to increase communication. Perhaps we will have a direct access line to the Ministry which will be linked to CedarBridge Academy, Berkeley, and any of the middle schools. Communication is going to be essential.'' The fourth MP to take over the education portfolio since restructuring began about ten years ago, Mr. Smith conceded he was faced with an enormous responsibility.

But he made it clear that he was committed to the task.

"I was always a very serious proponent of the senior school,'' he confessed.

"Being a product of the public school system I was aware of the deficiencies.

"I always supported the philosophy of vocational and academics being enshrined in a school.'' While not yet fully up to speed on everything in education, Mr. Smith said he was impressed with what has been done so far.

Estimating that the Education Ministry deals directly with close to 20,000 people -- close to 7,000 students and their parents, Mr. Smith said it was amazing that the restructuring had so far been successful.

"What struck me at the beginning was the enormity of restructuring,'' he said. "It's quite staggering. It was a painstaking process that has been successful.

"A lot of credit needs to go to the strategists, the architects, and the builders of the education system, including the former Ministers.

"It's my goal now to be a champion for education.'' And Mr. Smith said he had the following expectations of the public school system: To be rigorous and challenging for students; To allow students to study and teachers to work in an environment that is social, civil, and safe; and To encourage the involvement of teachers, students, parents, businesses, and the community at large.

While admitting he has noticed in his visits to schools an "idiosyncratic style of teaching'', Mr. Smith said he was hopeful standards of teaching will become more consistent.

This, he explained, could be accomplished by more staff development and the change of teaching methods from the traditional subject oriented to student focused.

Like his predecessor Jerome Dill, Mr. Smith is a graduate of the public system. He attended Paget Primary and Warwick Academy.

And while he admitted that he did not ask for the high-profile Ministry and never dreamed he would be heading it, he said he believed he was suitable for it.

"One of my strengths is that I'm a very good listener,'' Mr. Smith said.

"Over the next four weeks I intend to listen to all the stakeholders in education.'' "I think the responsibility is extraordinary and the opportunity is limitless,'' he added about his new post.

Describing education as "energetic and dynamic'', Mr. Smith said: "You're talking about students with energy and teachers who are passionate about their profession.

"The dynamism is that you are dealing with 7,000 young people who have varied needs and you have to meet their needs.

"I have a greater responsibility than survival. I have a responsibility to ensure that we prepare young people to succeed not only in Bermuda, but in a highly competitive world.'' HOT SEAT -- Tim Smith Graphic file name: TISMIT