The Minister of Education, The Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, has issued a statement today regarding the ongoing education reform consultation process.
Minister Rabain stated, "The consultative process surrounding education reform has been informative, productive, and humbling.
"We know that while our vision of education is clear and embraced by many, we don't have all the answers. That's why the consultative process is important and helps to ensure a better, stronger education system for our children.
"Community groups' contributions, notably the West End Warriors' and the East End school advocates, St. David's Primary PTA and St. George's Preparatory, have been invaluable. Their feedback has highlighted the significance of our schools' history and legacy—a factor that must be woven into the fabric of our decision-making. You helped us to understand that this must be an important criterion as we advance, and we have listened.
"To be clear, we have committed to and will reevaluate the previous scoring. A history and legacy component will be incorporated fully into the evaluation process.
"To clarify a statement I made yesterday during an interview with a Bermuda Broadcasting Company reporter, the previous 19 factors will remain as part of the re-evaluation of the scoring; however, the feedback received made it clear that some of them require additional scrutiny. Scrutiny that will see some of them have their scoring revisited.
"As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast: to listen actively, engage our community deeply, and be flexible in our approach. This is a journey we are taking together—for the betterment of our children's education and their future."