More discussion is needed to determine the level of parental and community involvement in Bermuda’s schools, according to Education Minister Grant Gibbons.

Dr Gibbons launched a consultation process earlier this year on proposed changes to the Education Act 1996 to improve the involvement of the community in the education of the Island’s young people, meeting with stakeholders including the Bermuda Parent Teacher Student Association, the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Bermuda Public Service Union and the Shadow Minister for Education.

While that consultation period ended on June 9, the Minister told the House of Assembly this morning that more dialogue must take place.

“The goals of the consultation process were met in that important feedback was received on the proposals to amend the Education Act 1996. Parents and community members gave their thoughtful and often passionate views, and those views have been noted and considered,” he said.

“Following the oral and written submissions received during the consultation process, it is evident that more discussion and outreach is needed in order to finally resolve the question of what parental and community involvement should look like for our schools.

“Therefore, I am currently reviewing the policy proposals to better balance the concerns and interests expressed during the consultation period. Further outreach, engagement and information sharing will continue throughout the summer and into the upcoming 2014-2015 school year and the results of this process will be used to develop proposals that better reflect those concerns and interests.”