The Free Democratic Movement pledged to keep all of Bermuda’s schools open if it becomes the next Government.

Members of Bermuda’s third political party, including its leader Marc Bean, unveiled the education policy at a press conference this morning.

Omar Dill, the FDM’s regional organiser, said that all public schools would remain open under an FDM administration.

He said there would be a more decentralised leadership structure that would return decision-making powers to school leaders — “home-grown talent” with educational expertise.

Mr Dill highlighted: “The FDM unequivocally assures all Bermudians that no schools will be closed.

“Our steadfast plan is to enhance our community by encouraging Bermudians currently residing overseas to return home and by making our island attractive to new residents.

“This bold vision to rejuvenate our economy includes significant improvements to existing educational facilities as well as the revitalisation of recently-closed schools, with the aim of ensuring a thriving and prosperous future for Bermuda.

“The notion of closing schools is a stark indictment of any government's vision.

“Such actions do not promote growth, rather they reflect a lack of motivation to propel our country forward and fail to instil confidence among the island's residents.”

The Bermuda Government undertook a restructuring of the public school system, which includes phasing out middle schools, introducing signature schools at the senior level and creating parish primary schools.

There is to be one primary school per parish under the plans, aside from in Pembroke and St George’s, which will each have two.

Mr Dill said that the FDM’s education policy focused on nurturing Bermuda's people to ensure students grow into positive contributing citizens.

He said that a national curriculum would be adopted that is “rigorous and comprehensive”, while Mr Bean said the party would meet education experts before any specific regime was determined.

Mr Dill noted: “Again, the FDM will utilise local community experts, resources and talent to enhance and, or compliment the delivery of the national curriculum.

“These experts include athletes, performers, community activists and others.”

Mr Dill said the party aimed to focus on the “development of Bermuda’s human capital via evolutionary educational reform”.

He explained: “These changes include giving parents more options to choose schools, raising teaching standards, letting local schools make more of their own decisions, providing vouchers for all schools, and encouraging schools to use data to remain focused on continuous improvement and competitiveness.”

It was said that Bermuda would see “community schools” under the FDM that are well-equipped with resources, provide academic support, build strong relationships with families, and prepare students for a successful life.

Mr Dill highlighted: “The success of community schools is built on four main pillars: comprehensive support for students, opportunities for advanced and varied learning, strong involvement from families and the community, and teamwork-oriented leadership.

“Together, these elements foster an environment that supports students’ overall growth and success.”

Speaking of leadership in the public education system, Mr Bean said that there would be decentralised school governance, which would mean control over how schools are run as well as what they teach would be shifted from the Department of Education to local school leaders and their teams.

An example in the FDM’s policy is empowering schools by establishing boards of governors and supporting a level of autonomy for heads of schools.