New Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said this afternoon she is against closing schools, but suggested a major restructuring could still be in the planning.

She also announced that Darren Johnston and Vince Ingham had both indicated they were willing to continue as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Education respectively. They were said to have resigned over comments made by former Education Minister El James regarding a possible school restructuring, which could have meant the closure of some schools.

This afternoon, Dame Jennifer said: “Those who know me, know I am categorically opposed to the closing of schools. However, I am for the full usage of everything available to the Ministry of Education. We may have to change what we mean by a school.”

She added: “One of my first tasks after being appointed as Minister of Education was to reach out in response to Mr. Johnston. We met and I can say that it was also a meeting of the minds as we discussed how together we could serve the school children of Bermuda.

“It was a good discussion and we are of the same mind as it relates to the reforms that must be made and the pace of those reforms.”

Mr Johnstone said: “It’s my honour and privilege to stand on the podium with Dame Jennifer. We stand ready, energised and excited to work with Dame Jennifer to improve our student’s outcome.”

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