A litany of accusations was posted online by the Bermuda Union of Teachers as it made claims against the Government that included concerns over lack of staff and resources, as well as poor management.

The Royal Gazette also understands that a meeting of the entire representative body had been planned to take place on Thursday at CedarBridge Academy but when the school was closed owing to an apparent sick-out, the meeting was postponed.

The union took to social media yesterday to outline what it sees as major problems in the public education system and education reform.

It made 11 separate posts, each ending with the hashtags #BermudaEducation #EduReform #MIMS #MakeItMakeSense.

The BUT posted on X: “Schools across Bermuda are facing significant operational challenges that directly impact our children’s education.

“These aren’t isolated incidents, mismanagement is rampant, and it’s time we shed light on it.

“Reports from the Ministry of Education misrepresent the real conditions. Ignoring or downplaying issues like substitute coverage, contract instability and lack of resources doesn’t make them disappear; it makes them worse.

“Why is it nearly November and classrooms across Bermuda are still without full-time teachers? Educators are working without contracts or compensation. We need urgent solutions from the DoE to provide students with consistent, qualified teachers.

“Mould and other safety and health concerns persist in our schools. Our children and teachers deserve clean, safe spaces for teaching and learning. These hazards have no place in Bermuda’s classrooms.

“Why is it so hard to get consistent action instead of quick fixes? It’s time to prioritise people, not policies.”

The union alluded to “intimidation and attempts to silence” its members.

Concerns were also noted about a lack of substitute teachers.

The posts said: “Imagine being dissuaded from taking a sick day due to administrative pressure. Some teachers come to school unwell for their students, often without lunch or bathroom breaks, all because of a lack of substitute coverage.

“These staffing issues stem from decisions made without proper consultation with the union. It’s time for the department to prioritise our teachers’ wellbeing and the quality of education for our students.

“Policies that disenfranchise teachers and students only widen the cracks in our system. Our children deserve a classroom that’s staffed, safe and ready to learn.”

Both the Bermuda Union of Teachers and the Ministry of Education have been asked for comment.

The PTA at the school declined to comment.

A spokeswoman for the education ministry said yesterday that the closure of CedarBridge Academy was the result of “an unusually high number of teacher and paraeducator absences”.

She added that by 6.23am, 59 of the school’s 77 staff members had reported absent. The majority of absences were described as “uncertified sick leave”.

CedarBridge Academy reopened yesterday.