The Department of Education confirmed that Whitney Institute Middle School reopened yesterday after students were sent home on Monday owing to a teacher shortage.

However, the department declined to provide reasons for the lack of teachers at the school.

The department released a public statement just before 3pm yesterday saying the school was open.

It said: “The Department of Education and Whitney Institute board of governors have advised that classes have resumed at Whitney Institute Middle School today.

“The department and board of governors take this opportunity to thank parents and students for their patience.“

The Government said on Monday that the department was addressing the matter with the principal, the board and the Bermuda Union of Teachers.

Sandys Secondary Middle School also closed its doors last week because of a teacher shortage.

The Ministry of Education said of that matter that Crystal Caesar, the Acting Minister of Education, and Kalmar Richards, the acting permanent secretary to the ministry, met the school’s board to discuss the “abrupt” closure.

A spokeswoman for the ministry said they were working with the principal, Sandys school board and the BUT to address and resolve “staff concerns”.

The BUT has not responded to questions on either matter.