Parents and students should not be "penalised" for poor planning, financial oversight and lack of accountability from the Education Minister.

This is according to Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons who claimed El James was not being "completely forthcoming" with the public on possible consolidation of schools.

And Bermuda Democratic Alliance Leader Craig Cannonier said Government was "hiding behind the idea of cost-saving measures to deceive the population".

On Tuesday, Mr. James said a restructure of the Islands public schools could see some closed and staff laid off before next September.

Mr. James said several changes are now being considered in an effort to cut costs and provide space for offices and a special needs school.

No specific schools have been targeted for closure, Mr. James told The Royal Gazette.

Yesterday, Dr. Gibbons said: "Once again the Minister is not being completely forthcoming with his plans and instead of providing parents and the public with clear options, we are being offered trial balloons.

"If the Minister really wants effective consultation about school closures and staff reductions then he needs to tell parents and the public specifically what he has in mind now, not at the end of the year.

"The community should be able to see a real plan so that they can understand the issues and possible alternatives in detail.

"If he waits until the end of the year to "make the recommendations public" not only is that not real consultation, but at that stage it may be too late to change the Ministry's budget for 2011."

He continued: "The Minister needs to state whether the same five primary schools are being targeted for closure again this time.

"Back in January the Minister faced large numbers of very concerned parents from these schools and he denied the proposed closures were for financial reasons, but now we're apparently hearing otherwise."

Mr. Cannonier said: "There is no doubt that the present economic climate in which the community finds itself has roots in the lack of performance and accountability from the Government which clearly did not give priority to a master plan for education.

"No plans have been revealed to address issues that parents will have to face regarding displacement, teacher continuity, emotional attachment to an institution and family traditions."

He continued: "When will this Government address the concerns of its people rather than pursuing goals that benefit a few chosen ones?

"Will the closing of the schools mentioned serve the interests of the community or will only a few people benefit?

"The Ministry has been restaffed by the removal of some the best principals from their schools and placing them in positions in the Ministry where their contributions make no difference in the betterment of the educational system.

"The time has come for the community to demand drastic changes in the running of the Ministry of Education."

When asked for his comments, Education Board Chairman Darren Johnston said: "The matter should be referred to the Minister.

"As you know, the Board is focused on improving student outcomes through a sustained reform effort. We continue to move in that direction."

Bermuda Union of Teachers general secretary Mike Charles said he wasn't in a position to comment properly.

"Unless we see something in writing, it's very difficult to comment. We would be speculating and speculating is no good.

"Nothing has been suggested to us as to how they're going to decide. Until such time, it's difficult to make any kind of comment."

l Education leadership questioned – Page 13