Many parents are sceptical that a decision has not already been made to reorganise public schools — but Education Minister Wayne Scott last night reiterated that no definitive plans had been drawn up.

At the close of a third and final public meeting on the issue, it was announced that his decision on the matter could be expected by April.

Mr Scott, with acting commissioner Freddie Evans, Llewellyn Simmons, and permanent secretary Valerie Robinson James, fielded anxious questions from a crowd of about 100, with many saying they had not been given sufficient time for feedback.

The forum focused on the primary and preschool level. The minister said that the declining population of students had led to deficiencies and inequalities across the school system that had to be addressed.

“Classroom size and the teacher ratio is something we have no intention of messing with,” Mr Scott said, adding that parents did not need to fear the changes being made by the coming September.

A retired teacher drew applause after telling the panel that children should not be treated as numbers, adding: “My grandchildren should not be used to save money.”

Port Royal principal Holly Richardson said the declining enrolment figures failed to give the story behind the numbers.

Parents were also critical of the Education Amendment Act being passed by Parliament at the same time as the community being called upon to debate school reorganisation.

Many East End Primary parents fear their school is targeted for closure, and one parent told the panel schools should be given their own chance to present restructuring and cost-saving ideas.

Mr Scott emphasised his commitment to the ministry, which he joined in January, telling the audience his intention was “to be here for the next three years, minimum” — and the only school that was named was St John’s preschool, where Dr Evans said the landlord had requested that the school to move out.

“It won’t be closed,” he added. “We have to find a facility — at this point we still have not completed the search.”