Students, parents and teachers within the Bermuda public school system should be proud of their accomplishments during the 2022-23 academic year — despite the cloud of uncertainty hanging over some of their futures, courtesy of the Progressive Labour Party.

The One Bermuda Alliance especially congratulates the Class of 2023, and wishes them the best as they prepare for the next stage of their lives.

The public school system has experienced a number of challenges this past academic year. It began last September with parents’ and caregivers’ very extended delay in receiving the back-to-school $150 relief grant.

Against the backdrop of the continual escalating cost of living in Bermuda, the PLP dangled the proverbial carrot before the mouths of locals, and was failing to deliver. While to some the $150 wasn’t much, to others it was a small lifeline.

Halfway through the school year, parents and students were caught off guard when it was announced by the Minister of Education that a number of schools were earmarked to close.

Despite the vehement protests, the Government has been steadfast in pursuing its plans. While the minister says the voices of education stakeholders are being heard, the OBA questions whether this is in fact true, or simply more lip service.

Decisions taken appear unsympathetic, leaving parents and teachers scrambling to understand the impact of these transitions on their families.

Many parents and teachers are still waiting for confirmation of school placements. Parents don’t know where their children will go to school in September and whether children needing additional resources will be identified and supported through this transition.

How will parents whose children have to travel farther from home as a result of moving to a new school be able to afford increased transport costs?

In May of this year, the education minister reinforced his lack of transparency, when a video was leaked of him speaking against the PTA at St George’s Preparatory School.

A number of parents who applied for their children to attend Purvis Primary have been left hanging — not only have their applications been rejected, but they have also not been offered alternative entry elsewhere. This is deplorable. Again, how can anyone plan for September like this?

Our community should not be experiencing stress where their children’s education is concerned.

The public school community should be receiving an overarching message that should be clear and concise, including a compassionate message that the education ministry understands the transition parents are going through and the stress it is putting on families.

Despite all the disruption in these turbulent times, students are progressing and gaining as much knowledge as they can. Much gratitude to teachers who have maintained their commitment and composure throughout this school year.

The Government said it was going to have a plan. Parents need to know what’s happening sooner rather than later.

• Susan Jackson is the opposition spokeswoman for education and the MP for Pembroke South West (Constituency 20)