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Budget Brief

Ministry of Education Headquarters

Head 16

Department of Education

Head 17

The Bermuda College

Head 41

March 11, 2013

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Mr. Chairman, the funding for the Ministry of Education can be found on page B-

101 of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the 2013/2014 fiscal year.

The Mission of the Ministry of Education is to raise the quality of teaching and

learning so that public schools become the number one choice for parents. In

order to carry out its Mission, the Ministry Headquarters is staffed by a

Permanent Secretary, Policy Analyst and Executive Assistant, and is supported by

the Department of Education.

Mr. Chairman, the Education Act 1996 establishes that oversight for the

Education system in Bermuda is provided by a Board of Education.

Appointed by the Minister of Education, the Board, amongst other things:

makes recommendations to the Minister regarding educational policy;

makes recommendations to the Minister regarding a statement of vision,

values and strategy for education;

evaluates, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Education, the

performance of schools and boards of governors;

makes recommendations to the Minister regarding the curriculum for

schools;

makes recommendations to the Minister regarding methods for assessing

the performance of the educational system and monitoring the

implementation of plans for improving the system; and

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makes recommendations to the Minister for the design and

implementation of an effective risk management strategy for schools,

including policies and measures to control risks relating to the provision of

education, security of persons and property and health and safety.

The Board of Education comprises representatives from schools, other than

senior schools, in different areas of Bermuda; the Berkeley Institute and the

CedarBridge Academy; Principals; Teachers; Parents; and persons representing

the business community. The Commissioner of Education and the President of the

Bermuda College also attend meetings, although they do not vote.

The present Board of Education includes the following members:

Curtis Dickinson - Chairman

Kim Wilkerson - Deputy Chair

Kristin Ferreira

Joseph Robinson

Ann Spurling

Craig Bridgewater

Fanon Khaldun

Holly Richardson

Estlyn Harvey

Shannon James

Keisha Douglas

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Dr. Akbar Muhammad

Patrick Tannock

Dale Young

Llewka (Lew-K-Ah) Richards

I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of our Board members for their

commitment to the children of Bermuda.

Mr. Chairman, for the planning period and beyond, the Ministry set as its

strategic priorities to:

Increase public confidence in the education system

Align the Department of Education with Teaching and Learning and

Clearly communicate goals through an accountability framework

Mr. Chairman, it might be recalled that in January 2011, the Commissioner of

Education, Mrs. Wendy McDonnell, relinquished responsibility for the day to day

operations of the Department of Education in order to lead the transformation of

the Bermuda Public School System.

In order to provide the Commissioner with greater flexibility to focus on teaching

and learning and the transformation of the public Education system, the

Permanent Secretary, Mr. Warren Jones, took on responsibility for the day to day

operations of the Department of Education. As a result, the primary responsibility

of the Permanent Secretary has been to ensure that human, financial, material

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and facility resources are aligned to support teaching and learning and are aligned

to the Government’s priorities.

Mr. Chairman, the Ministry of Education’s cash limit for 2013/2014 is set at

$145,391,000, an increase of $7,443,000 or 5.4% from the original budget of

$137,948,000 for the previous year. Members will note that the Ministry’s

portfolio now includes the Bermuda National Library (Head 18) and the Bermuda

Archives (Head 19). The focus of today’s budget debate, however, is on the

Ministry of Education Headquarters (Head 16), Department of Education (Head

17) and Bermuda College (Head 41).

Mr. Chairman, in aggregate these three entities have been allocated a total of

$141,571,000 for the fiscal year 2013/2014, a 5.7% increase from last year’s

original budget.

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HEAD 16 – MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HEADQUARTERS

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Mr. Chairman, I now turn to page B-102, where you will note that there has been

a significant decrease (of $688,000) in the Scholarships and Awards budget (Cost

Centre 26090) compared to last year’s budget allocation. The planned reduction

is related to Future Education Awards, Mature Students Awards and the Bermuda

Government Scholarships. The Ministry of Education is revising its internal

policies pertaining to these awards and developing amendments to the Bermuda

Government Scholarships Act 2008 that, once enacted, will allow the Ministry to

achieve its targeted reductions in that spend category and reallocate the funding

to the operation of Ministry programmes. The legislative proposals to the

Bermuda Government Scholarships include:

Extending the term of each scholarship by one academic year, to a period

not exceeding four years, in order to coincide with the typical number of

years required to earn an undergraduate university degree; and,

Covering tuition and basic accommodation only, to a maximum value of

$35,000 per year, instead of covering the total cost of tuition,

accommodation (including room and board), a one-way airfare ticket to

university and a one-way return ticket upon the completion of studies.

The revised legislation will maintain the number of scholarships awarded

annually to a maximum of eight.

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Mr. Chairman, these legislative changes will:

provide better predictability of the maximum annual cost of Bermuda

Government Scholarships;

allow the Ministry of Education to reduce its overall scholarship budget

going forward; and,

allow the Ministry to honour its commitments to past awardees without

having to maintain or increase past expenditure levels for scholarships and

awards. Awardees under the revised legislation may not require the

maximum award of $35,000 annually, in which case budget savings will be

reallocated to past awardees whose tuition, room and board and airfare

must be paid in accordance with the legislation in effect at the time of

their award.

Cost Centre 26000 (General Administration) supports the salaries of the

Permanent Secretary, a Policy Analyst and an Executive Assistant who also

supports the Minister. This budget allocation is also lower than the previous

budget by $123,000, the majority of which is through savings in overtime by the

Executive Assistant and the reduction of overseas travel and training costs as part

of the Ministry’s continued cost containment and cost reduction efforts.

Cost Centre 26080 (Grants to External Bodies) captures the cost of grants to

external bodies which run programmes that are beneficial to the educational

experience of students. This includes television programming of the popular

“Sesame Street” show, youth development experiences through the Bermuda

Sloop, the therapeutic riding programme for children with disabilities, and

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assistance programmes for children with dyslexia or math-related learning

difficulties. Last year’s budget did not include specific funding for these

programmes, unlike previous years; as such, the Ministry attempted to find and

make savings in other areas to provide for the grants, and achieved this objective

in part only.

This year’s budget allocates $621,000 for grants to external bodies. The reduction

of $172,000 from the 2011/2012 actual spend is the result of the aforementioned

savings and a change to a “fee-for-service” approach that the Ministry

implemented during 2012/2013 with some previous grant recipients. A “fee-for-

service” approach is a contractual agreement between the Ministry and a service

provider in which the cost of a particular service is predetermined or is set at a

fixed hourly rate. Only if the service is rendered does a fee become payable by the

Ministry.

The Ministry of Education plans to award grants during the 2013/2014 fiscal year

to the following non-profit organisations:

The Bermuda Broadcasting Company - $40,890 for educational programming for

preschoolers and young children. (Last year: $40,890)

The Bermuda National Gallery - $16,350 for the ArtReach educational

programming, which promotes visual arts in schools. (Last year: $16,350)

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The Bermuda School Sports Federation – $50,000 to assist financially with the

rental fees at the National Sports Centre for youth sports such as track and field,

and other organized sports such as football, cricket, and mountain biking. This is a

new grant effective 2013/2014; however the same amount was paid directly to

the National Sports Centre by the Ministry of Education in past years and

therefore this is not incremental spending.

The Centre for Talented Youth - $100,000 for their afterschool Gifted and

Talented Programme for designated high achieving students. (Last year:

$104,000)

Global Arts (UN) – $33,120 to support Youthnews.com and other leadership

development activities for students. (Last year: $33,120)

The Student Leadership Development Programme will receive $10,000 to

support highly focused senior school students. (Last year: $10,000)

The Reading Clinic – $75,000 to provide financial assistance towards psycho-

educational assessments and diagnostic assessment of primary school children

with dyslexia or math-related learning difficulties, and early literacy intervention

programmes for public preschool students. (Last year: $20,000)

A grant of $25,000 will be given to Windreach to help support the Therapeutic

Riding Programme, which allows for an increase in sensory motor skills for

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children with disabilities, as well as social, physical, cognitive and emotional

development. (Last year: $15,000)

The Bermuda Sloop Foundation will be given $200,500 to provide voyages to

middle school boys and girls. (Last year: $200,500)

Our final grant recipient is YouthNet who will receive $20,445 to support the

mentorships of one thousand public school students through traditional, reading,

peer, sports and work site mentoring. During 2013, YouthNet will pilot E-

mentoring by leveraging technology as the medium for mentoring senior school

students. (Last year: $20,445)

The total amount of funds allocated for grants is $571,305. (Last

year: $460,305) [NOTE: the amount of $571,305 excludes a professional services

contract valued at $50,000, which brings the total expenditures in Cost Centre

26080 (Grants to External Bodies) to $621,000].

Mr. Chairman, the following organisations may qualify to receive a fee-for-service

when they provide services to public school students. All of these organisations,

except for The Menuhin Foundation, support the Alternative Education and Out

of School Suspension programme, which I will describe in greater detail later in

my presentation:

The Adult Education School

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CARE Learning Centre

The Technology Skill Center

Petra Academy (Deveene Hollis)

Impact Mentoring

Lighthouse Christian Academy (Tammy Zuill)

RHM School House

School of Tomorrow (Cannoth W. Roberts)

TLC Institute, and

The Menuhin Foundation

Funds for organisations on a fee-for-service basis are found within the budget for

Programme 1702 (Student Services) on page B-105, with the exception of The

Menuhin Foundation for which a fee-for-service contract of up to $50,000 is

planned within Cost Centre 26080 (Grants to External Bodies).

SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF CURRENT ACCOUNT ESTIMATES:

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Mr. Chairman, turning to page B-103, members will note in column 7 of the first

table the aforementioned reductions in Salaries and Grants and Contributions of

$111,000 and $170,000, respectively, from the original budget for 2012/2013.

These are partially offset by an increase of $105,000 in Professional Services.

During 2012/2013, the Ministry of Education engaged the services of a part-time

contractor to provide administrative and operational support to the Board of

Education and its sub-committees, maintain the minutes of the Board, and

compile reports on behalf of or for submission to the Board. The contractor also

provides similar support services to the Scholarships Committee, which reviews

all applications received for scholarships and awards, assesses applicants based

on established criteria, and makes recommendations to the Minister on which

applicants should receive a scholarship or award.

EMPLOYEE NUMBERS (FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS):

Mr. Chairman, you will note under the caption “Employee Numbers (Full-Time

Equivalents)” that there is a reduction of one employee from last year’s budget

for the Ministry of Education Headquarters. An employee retired effective April

2012 and the post remained vacant for the balance of the 2012/2013 fiscal year;

for the 2013/2014 fiscal year, the post was reallocated to Cost Centre 27002

(Finance and Corporate Services) under Head 17.

Mr. Chairman, I also wish to highlight that the column referenced 2011/2012

Actual in this table does not reflect the correct number of employees for that

fiscal year; indeed, the figures shown are those of our original budget for

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2011/2012. The actual number of employees for 2011/2012 for Head 16 is four,

not five, consisting of three employees in General Administration and one

employee in Scholarships and Awards. Column 7 in this table also contains an

error, whereby the difference between 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 should be

zero, not 3, for General Administration and negative 1, not zero, for Scholarships

and Awards. The percentage reduction in Column 8 should be 25%.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES: Mr. Chairman, turning to page B-104, you will note the Ministry of Education

Headquarters’ performance measures for the 2013/2014 financial year, along

with target outcomes. One measure, for example under Grants to External

Bodies, will involve seeking feedback from participants and other knowledgeable

observers on students’ learning experiences and acquired skills from external

programmes funded by the Ministry, such as the Bermuda Sloop Foundation,

Centre for Talented Youth or The Reading Clinic. This will allow the Ministry to

assess the value for money in funding such programmes, and should assist the

Ministry in its decision-making process to renew grants in subsequent years, or

reallocate the funds to other qualified external programmes or core programmes

of the Ministry.

Members will note, however, that certain measures come into effect for the

2013/2014 reporting year, and therefore do not have comparatives in earlier

years.

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HEAD 17 – DEPARMENT OF EDUCATION

Mr. Chairman, the objectives of the Department of Education are:

To support schools to raise teaching levels so that students are encouraged

to learn to the highest possible degree

To provide expertise to support schools in providing services and in

reaching agreed standards and

To assess and evaluate the results of teaching and learning so as to

determine progress and to offer help and encouragement where needed.

Mr. Chairman, while I intend to set out in some detail the role and function of the

Department of Education, I would just like to highlight at the outset that among

the priorities for the Department of Education for the upcoming year will be:

To work with our principal and teacher stakeholders to transform Middle

School Education

To review the graduation criteria

To expand the Cambridge Curriculum course offerings

To raise the standard for teacher recruitment and

To expand the service offerings for students with special needs

Mr. Chairman, the Education Act 2006 establishes that the Commissioner of

Education shall be the head of the Department of Education and operate under

the supervision of the Permanent Secretary.

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The Commissioner of Education is responsible for all aspects of the operations of

the Department of Education, including the supervision of three directors and

overall responsibility for public schools, early learning, curriculum and

assessment, special education, professional development, and business

operations (business operations are presently being managed by the Permanent

Secretary, as outlined earlier).

Mr. Chairman, you will also be aware that the Ministry of Education is recruiting

to fill the post of Commissioner of Education upon the retirement of present

Commissioner Mrs. Wendy McDonell in August of this year.

I am certain that members on both sides of this Honourable House will join me,

although somewhat prematurely, to wish Mrs. McDonell all the best and to thank

her for her commitment to the Education system in general, and the children of

Bermuda specifically.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Mr. Chairman, turning to the budget for the Department of Education on page B-

105, you will note an increase of $2,024,000 in Program 1701 (Central

Administration). This increase is driven by two key programmes that form one of

the pillars of the Blueprint for Reform in Education: Educational Standards and

Accountability (Cost Centre 27090) and School Improvement and Staff

Development (Cost Centre 27031), which together account for $2,201,000 of the

increase.

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Funding of $1,978,000 is allocated to Cost Centre 27031 (School Improvement

and Staff Development) for the salaries of seven mentor teachers and the vacant

post of Education Officer, Staff Development. The post of Education Officer, Staff

Development will be advertised as part of a re-alignment of this cost centre. This

cost centre also funds a central training budget in the amount of $1,150,000 for

the professional development of teaching staff across the school system.

Mr. Chairman, the School Improvement and Staff Development Section consists

of an Acting Assistant Director post (vacant), an Education Officer post (vacant

with recruitment being requested) and Mentor Teachers.

This section:

i. Manages the Teacher Induction and Orientation Programme to assist new

teachers in instructional management and orienting teachers who are new

to the Bermuda educational system;

ii. Provides instructional leadership and support for identified developing

teachers; and

iii. Co-ordinates and provides support for professional development for

schools.

Cost Centre 27090 (Educational Standards and Accountability) is allocated

$1,419,000 to fund the salaries of a Director, three Assistant Directors, 26 schools

and Principals and 10 Content Specialists, of which five are currently in place

while another five will be added during 2013/2014.

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The mission of these programmes is to improve the quality of teaching and

learning in the classroom by implementing the highest quality standards for the

training, supervision and performance management of teachers and principals,

and strengthening and distributing leadership through the use of mentor

teachers, teacher leaders, and content specialists.

Mr. Chairman, this section is responsible for the overall supervision of schools

and principals for the purposes of continuous school improvement and

developing and implementing educational standards and accountability to hold

principals accountable for the effective delivery of the curricula to students and

for the results of student learning. In addition, the Educational Standards and

Accountability Section is responsible for monitoring and evaluating principals to

ensure that they fulfill their responsibilities for the organisation and management

of schools.

Mr. Chairman, the Blueprint for Reform in Education includes strengthening and

distributing leadership as a strategy for instructional improvement. I would like to

outline the critically important roles of mentor teachers, teacher leaders, and

content specialists in the implementation of this strategy.

Mentor teachers: (total of seven: six in place, one to be added in 2013/2014)

Assist new teachers in their orientation to the Bermuda Public School

System;

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Provide training to, and classroom observation and classroom

management techniques for, newly recruited teachers in their first and

second years of service, and for experienced teachers as required;

Train and guide teachers in appropriate techniques for monitoring and

assessing students, and providing feedback to them; and,

Coach teachers to ensure research based instructional strategies are

applied.

Teacher leaders (total of 139) assume a wide range of roles at the school level to

support school and student success, so I will highlight only a few. Teacher

leaders:

Administer a department, such as mathematics, science, or social studies,

and supervise the faculty;

Promote teachers’ delivery and understanding of the school curriculum;

Collaborate with individual teachers and groups through professional

learning, co-planning, co-teaching and coaching to improve teaching and

learning; and,

Assist their principal with setting measurable goals to be included in the

School Improvement Plan and work with the principal and faculty to

ensure growth in their content area.

For the start of the 2012/2013 school year, five content specialists were

introduced into the Bermuda Public School System to improve the quality of

teaching and learning at the school sites in the core content areas of Language

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Arts, Mathematics and Science – to mirror the Cambridge Curriculum. A further

five content specialists will be added during 2013/2014, bringing the total to 10.

Content specialists support teachers in order to strengthen their content

knowledge and pedagogical skills – that is, the skills teachers use to impart the

specialised knowledge and/or content of their subject areas. Content specialists

provide instructional coaching for teachers in classrooms, modeling of exemplary

lessons, professional development support to schools, and programme

consultation to principals and ministry officers.

Members will note a decrease of $624,000 in Cost Centre 27001 (Office of the

Commissioner) consisting of reductions in planned overseas contractors, training

and travel costs, as well as office supplies and hospitality costs. These are the

result of the Ministry’s continued cost containment efforts, particularly in spend

categories that are deemed to be more discretionary in nature. The reductions

have been reallocated to Cost Centre 27160 (Substitutes), which supports the

salaries of substitute teachers who provide coverage when teachers get ill during

the school year. This cost centre was not funded to the extent necessary in the

previous budget, considering historical rates and trends as can be seen from the

last two years of actual spend: $1,849,000 in 2011/2012 and $1,399,000 in

2010/2011). During 2012/2013, the Ministry applied much more stringent

conditions on the use of substitute teachers.

Cost Centre 27030 (Human Resources) funds the salaries of the Senior Human

Resources Manager and the staff who provide strategic advice to the Ministry on

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human resources management, and personnel management services including

recruitment, industrial relations, employee relations, employee administration,

compensation and benefits.

Mr. Chairman, the Ministry has often been criticised for failing to have staff in

place at the beginning of each school year. I am pleased to advise my honourable

colleagues that the recruitment process for September 2013 began earlier than

normal. The first advertisements went out in November of 2012 as opposed to

the process commencing in January as in past years.

This process has been communicated to staff and the Human Resource Section is

tracking progress against deliverables as we begin to receive information from

teaching staff in line with communication deadlines established within their

collective bargaining agreement.

Mr. Chairman, the decrease of $522,000 from the previous budget is due to the

elimination of funding for five of the six teacher sabbatical leaves that the

Ministry normally budgets for in order to remain within its assigned cash

limit. Effective the 2013/2014 school year, the Ministry will consider providing

sabbatical leaves to suitably qualified teachers who are interested in pursuing

further education in areas of system need. For the 2013/2014 school year, those

areas are mathematics, science, special education, early childhood literacy, or

gifted and talented education. Should multiple sabbaticals in these areas be

approved, the Ministry will endeavor to find savings within other programmes to

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fund the sabbaticals, in keeping with the collective agreement with the Bermuda

Union of Teachers.

Cost Centre 27095 (School Attendance) funds the salaries of an attendance co-

ordinator and six attendance officers who have responsibility for the enforcement

of compulsory education. It is their job to ensure that children of compulsory

school age are, in fact, in school.

Mr. Chairman, I would now like to describe the expenditures for Program 1702,

our Student Services Section.

The majority of the posts that make up Student Services belong to the Bermuda

Union of Teachers and post holders are located in schools on a full-time basis.

These include educational therapists, specialist teachers, school counsellors and

paraprofessionals. With the exception of the acting assistant director, who is

responsible for the senior management and administration of the Section, all

other post holders, such as the education officers and school psychologists, are

housed in schools and spend the majority of their working hours in schools.

Cost Centre 27061 (Behaviour Management) - funds 11 behaviour therapists for

preschool, primary and middle schools, as well as for the Alternative Education

Programme. The reduction of $209,000 from the previous budget is related to

two vacant posts that are not planned to be filled during the 2013/2014 fiscal

year based on anticipated needs, and the reduction of local travel costs.

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Cost Centre 27063 (School Psychology) - funds six school psychologist posts who

work across all school levels, in addition to an education officer.

Cost Centre 27064 (Adapted Physical Education) - funds four adapted physical

education teachers who work across all school levels. The increase of $75,000

from the previous budget is to fund the fourth post, which is incremental in

response to student needs.

The adapted physical education programme is a developmentally appropriate

programme which provides the adaptive support necessary for students with

movement challenges to meaningfully participate in physical education.

Cost Centre 27065 (Hearing) - funds three teachers to support students who are

deaf, or hard of hearing as well as overseas tuition for three students. These

teachers work across all levels.

Cost Centre 27068 (Primary One Screening) – this cost centre was merged with

Cost Centre 27074 (Learning Support) and the education officer who oversees

learning support in all preschools and in P1 is now included in that budget. I will

address Cost Centre 27074 (Learning Support) and its allocation for 2013/2014 a

little further into this presentation.

Cost Centre 27066 (Vision) - funds three teacher posts, including a qualified vision

teacher. These specialised resources teach students who are visually impaired,

blind, or have low vision. The number of such students has risen from 11 in 2010

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to 46 in 2012, of which six require to be serviced with Braille. The teachers are

responsible for all levels and teach the Cambridge Curriculum as well as

compensatory skills to help the students function and thrive in their regular

classroom environment and in the world. This programme has benefited from

overwhelming school, family and community support.

Mr. Chairman, I am extremely pleased to report on the success of the Busy Bees

Braille Programme, which was launched two years ago and is based at the

Prospect Primary School. The Busy Bees Braille Programme works to support the

needs of six students, ranging in grade levels from P3 to M3 from schools across

the island, who have severe vision loss and/or have the diagnosis of losing their

vision. With the assistance of and cooperation from Para educators, learning

support teachers, classroom teachers, school administrators, and special

programmes within the community, students are learning not only adapted and

modified academics, but also the nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum –

the body of skills needed by students with visual impairments to participate fully

in school, work and daily life. The students are learning specifically how to

enhance and incorporate braille and other compensatory skills into their everyday

lives, orientation and mobility skills, recreation and leisure skills, assistive

technology, social interaction skills, and self-determination. I am also happy to

say, Mr. Chairman, that the Para educators working in the Busy Bees programme

are currently participating voluntarily in an online braille learning course offered

through the Hadley School for the Blind, in order to better support their students

with their continuing academic needs. The Hadley School for the Blind is a

nonprofit international distance education school based in Winnetka, Illinois, on

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the outskirts of Chicago.

Cost Centre 27069 (Gifted and Talented) - funds the education officer and one

teacher for the Gifted and Talented Programme. The reduction of $93,000 from

last year’s budget is related to a vacant teacher post that will remain as such

pending the completion of a strategic review of this pilot programme.

Over the last two years, the Department of Education has piloted a gifted and

talented programme within the Dellwood cluster of schools. These schools

include the Victor Scott, West Pembroke and Northlands Primary Schools. The

programme provided the Dellwood Family of Schools with Language and

Mathematics at the P5 and P6 primary level, Language Arts at the M1 – M3

middle level and Enrichment from the P4 – M3 level.

A strategic review of the pilot is presently underway within the Department of

Education with the intent of implementing a programme in September 2013.

The Centre for Talented Youth, previously mentioned as a grant recipient,

provides a Gifted and Talented Programme for students who have been

designated as high achievers in academics and art through after school

courses. The courses include art, sculpture, English, English Literature, SAT

mathematics, SAT pre-calculus, pre-algebra, algebra, algebra applications and

introduction to logic and cryptology. Approximately one hundred students are

enrolled in the programme.

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Cost Centre 27071 (Office Support) - funds the acting assistant director of

Student Services and an administrative assistant. On a temporary basis only and

until the start of the 2013/2014 school year, the cost centre is also funding 13

Bermudian school teachers (10 primary, one middle and two senior) who account

for the entire increase of $1,172,000 from the previous budget. These teachers

are currently actively working and will be assigned to schools on a permanent

basis upon the termination of contracts of teachers from overseas.

Cost Centre 27072 (Counselling) - funds the education officer for counselling and

26 preschool, primary and middle school counselors (8 preschool and primary

school, 7 primary, 10 middle, and 1 Alternative Education). This cost centre was

only partially funded in the 2012/2013 budget as a result of budgetary cutbacks,

resulting in a shortfall of $675,000 in that year. The 2013/2014 budget funds this

programme adequately based on current and expected students’ academic,

personal and/or social development and career development needs.

Cost Centre 27074 (Learning Support) – funds four education officers and 42

preschool, primary, middle and special school learning support teachers (Learning

Support teachers at the senior level fall within their respective budgets). Due to

budgetary cutbacks, the 2012/2013 budget funded only one-third of the salary

costs of this programme, resulting in a shortfall of $3,421,000 in that year. This

shortfall is one of the main reasons for the Ministry of Education’s request for a

supplemental estimate in 2012/2013. The 2013/2014 budget funds this

programme adequately based on students’ needs.

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Cost Centre 27079 (Paraprofessionals) - funds 99 primary school

paraprofessionals. Some paraprofessionals support more than one child in a

school. There are currently 116 paraprofessionals, including three relief posts;

five paraprofessionals are at The Berkeley Institute while 10 are at the

CedarBridge Academy.

Mr. Chairman, in June 2011, in light of budgetary constraints, the Ministry of

Education eliminated a total of 96 teaching, paraprofessional and educational

therapist assistant posts. Subsequently in fiscal year 2011/2012, in order to meet

student needs, the Ministry rehired a number of paraprofessionals and

redeployed some of the affected teachers and educational therapist assistants

within their schools or to other schools. A net reduction of 53 posts, or 4% of the

pool, was nonetheless achieved. However, it was not anticipated nor known at

the time of preparation of the 2012/2013 budget that some paraprofessionals

would be rehired, and therefore their salary costs were not funded in that budget.

This explains the increase in 2013/2014 in Cost Centre 27079 (Paraprofessionals),

which strictly comprises salary costs.

Cost Centre 27083 (Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD) – Mr. Chairman, autism

is a condition that impacts brain development in the areas of social interaction

and communication skills. Medically diagnosed cases of autism have increased

dramatically internationally over the past several years and the same is true for

Bermuda. Traditionally, students diagnosed with ASD are assigned

paraprofessionals who help to support their educational needs in the classroom,

in consultation with classroom teachers. However, many of these students

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require more intensive services, including therapies that cannot be adequately

provided in the regular classroom setting. The Ministry of Education knows of 35

medically-diagnosed cases of such students within the Bermuda Public School

System; however, based on international figures and information gathered locally,

we suspect that there may be even more cases of which we are unaware. During

the 2012/2013 school year, the Ministry of Education opened a second ASD

classroom and has planned in its 2013/2014 budget the addition of a third

classroom. Altogether, approximately 18 students will be serviced in these

classrooms.

Autism is a spectrum disorder - meaning that there is a wide range of disorders

that fit that diagnosis. Therefore, the interventions required to assist an individual

must be tailored to meet their individual need. We have found that there are

some students who benefit from interventions provided in a specially equipped

classroom environment, although the classroom environment is not suitable for

every diagnosis on the spectrum. The remaining students continue to receive

specialised interventions based on their individual needs.

It is also important to note that the 2012/2013 budget did not allocate dedicated

funding for this very important and growing programme.

Cost Centre 27084 (Alternative Education and Out of School Suspension) – funds

both the Alternative Education Programme and the Out of School Suspension

Programme. The programme is allocated $1,327,000 for the upcoming budget

year.

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You will recall, Mr. Chairman, that I mentioned earlier in this presentation several

organisations who may receive a fee-for-service as part of our Alternative

Education Programme.

It might also be recalled that in 2011, the Department of Education closed The

Educational Centre (TEC) and introduced a new structure of Individual Education

Plans (IEP's) with the help and support of private sector partners.

The Alternative Education Programme was developed for at-risk youth with

severe behavioural challenges who were not functioning to their level of ability in

the regular school environment. This 1% of the total student population is being

serviced through a consortium of alternative facilities so as to best meet their

individual learning and behaviour management needs. While in the alternative

programme, students are monitored daily, receive counselling services as well as

psychological support, and other services that may be deemed required by the

student such as drug abuse counselling or anger management. There are

currently 46 students enrolled in the Programme, up from 25 last year, and

through hard work and dedication they have remained in school. The overall goal

is to support student achievement. This programme was not funded in the

2012/2013 year due to budgetary cutbacks; however, costs of $550,000 have

been planned in 2013/2014 for fee-for-service agreements with organisations

such as CARE Learning, Petra Academy and the Adult Education School. As well,

one educational therapist was transferred to this programme, adding a further

$92,000 to the programme but not to the Ministry overall.

29

In 2011, the Department also introduced a suspension regime in keeping with the

provisions of the Education Act. This regime assigns oversight of 'out of school

suspensions' for offences detailed in the Education Act to the Department of

Education.

The Out of School Suspension Programme is a product of mandated compliance

with the Education Act so that students are suspended in line with the legislation.

The programme delivers our curriculum to students who have been removed

from school for committing infractions such as fighting, or possessing and/or

using weapons or drugs.

The programme eliminates the practice of students being suspended to their

homes with no educational supervision. The programme also offers an

opportunity to provide therapeutic interventions for students who may be at risk

of dropping out of school or developing more serious anti-social behaviours.

Students under suspension, when necessary, are assessed and if deemed

necessary receive interventions specific to their needs to ensure that when they

return to the school body - they have the best opportunity for successful

reintroduction.

These two programmes have had a positive impact through the services they

provide for students. They are presently being assessed in order to ensure that

they meet the needs of students and address the concerns of our teachers and

principals. Mr. Chairman, these two programmes speak specifically to the

30

recommendations of the Mincy Report and the need to keep students engaged in

school, particularly our young black males.

Mr. Chairman, I would now like to focus on Program 1703, our Finance and

Corporate section.

Cost Centre 27002 (Finance & Corporate) - has been allocated $853,000 to

support the salaries of the Ministry Comptroller and the staff who support the

financial administration of the Ministry. This section is responsible for providing

strategic financial advice to senior management, cost-effective and responsive

financial services, procurement and contracting services, and corporate planning

solutions to the Ministry’s management, employees and schools. This includes

payroll administration and processing, scholarship and grant disbursements and

financial reporting.

Cost Centre 27003 (Office Accommodation) – has been allocated $1,403,000.

This cost centre funds the annual rent, office maintenance, electricity and

communication costs of the Ministry’s headquarters building, as well as its

receptionist and messenger. Mr. Chairman, I am happy to report that in the first

nine months of 2012/2013, the Ministry achieved savings in rental costs of

approximately $225,000 (32%), predominantly the result of the consolidation of

offices at Southside during 2011/2012.

Cost Centre 27040 (Educational Stores) – this cost centre has been allocated

$862,000 and supports salaries for the Stores manager, a storeman, two truck

31

drivers and two labourers as well as the cost to purchase curriculum-based

materials and cleaning and maintenance materials for schools.

Cost Centre 27041 (School Transport) – this cost centre has been allocated

$449,000 and funds the salaries for three bus drivers and two bus attendants who

provide transportation to our special needs children, two groundsmen who

maintain school sports fields, and one Labour, Transport and Safety Officer, as

well as the costs to maintain the Ministry’s motor fleet. The increase of $109,000

from the previous budget is due to the transfer of the two groundsmen, who last

year were incorrectly planned under Cost Centre 27520 (Curriculum

Implementation). These are not incremental costs to the Ministry’s overall

budget.

Cost Centre 27042 (Building, Grounds and Equipment) – this cost centre has

been allocated $1,380,000 and funds the salaries of the Facilities Manager and

one secretary. The majority of the budget, $1,050,000, pertains to repairs and

maintenance across the public school system while $100,000 is budgeted for

water that is purchased for schools or transferred between schools to maintain

adequate supply levels in tanks, and water treatment services to ensure that

water quality is compliant with regulations of the Health Department. The

increase from the previous budget is related to repairs and maintenance for

recurring work that in the past was planned as capital funds, but the nature of the

work does not meet the accounting definition of capital. Examples would be mold

remediation, pest control, or interior painting of school buildings, all of which are

maintenance costs.

32

Cost Centre 27050 (Information Technology Support) – this cost centre has been

allocated $3,615,000 and supports salaries for the IT Manager and 11 staff who

together provide information technology support services to approximately 6,000

users and hardware and software maintenance of some 2,700 computers and

1,000 peripherals across the Bermuda Public School System. Forty-eight percent

of the increase from last year’s budget is related to additional local contractor

costs to meet the demand for support in schools and bring the ratio of

computers-to-technician more in line with the established industry standard for

education of no more than 150 to 1 for a “satisfactory efficiency” service delivery

model. The Ministry is currently operating at a ratio of 270 to 1, whereas the

additional contractor costs will reduce this to 180 to one. Another 44% of the

increase is in communications costs for data hosting services, power consumption

and leased circuit costs. Under a three-year contractual agreement, the Ministry

houses all of the servers and communication equipment used to provide data

services to schools and administrative sites at LinkBermuda in order to enhance

security, improve internet service, and reduce the risks of network outages due to

hurricanes, power outages and theft. The data centre hosting also minimises

costs of moving and/or relocation whenever they arise.

Mr. Chairman, turning to Page B-106 – Program 1704 (Preschools)

There are currently 394 children attending 10 government preschools, a reduction

of 8.8% from the 432 children registered last year. The aggregated allocation to

preschools for the upcoming budget year is $5,374,000, an 8.9% decrease from

last year. This reduction is principally due to savings achieved in security guard

33

costs as a result of the installation of closed circuit television cameras, and

reduced allocations for office supplies and cleaning materials.

Mr. Chairman, during 2011/2012 and part of 2012/2013, the Ministry of

Education implemented a new security monitoring model in preschools, primary

and middle schools so as to reduce the very high cost of roving security guard

services. Through a competitive procurement process, the Ministry installed

closed circuit television cameras and monitoring stations and in-so-doing reduced

the need for security guards very significantly. I am very happy to report, Mr.

Chairman, that in the first nine months of 2012/2013 the Ministry achieved

savings of $1,554,000 in security guard service costs compared to the same period

in 2011/2012. These savings are across the system of preschools, primary and

middle schools.

Mr. Chairman, the Department of Education has undertaken a process to relocate

preschools to primary school facilities. Over the last two years, the Lyceum

Preschool was moved to the Francis Patton Primary School and the Lagoon Park

Preschool moved to the Somerset Primary School site.

These moves mirror the action of a previous administration which, rather than

close a school, added to the number of public preschool places by moving

Southampton Preschool to a government-owned building next door to Dalton E.

Tucker Primary School.

These moves:

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provide parents with children at both the preschool and primary

levels the benefit of having them in one location;

are in keeping with the policy to house government entities in

government facilities wherever possible;

continue a plan started with the relocation of the Southampton Pre-

school next door to the Dalton E. Tucker Primary School; and,

provide more square footage allowing for increased enrolment in

preschool, an initiative that this Government has made a priority in

its Platform.

Work is presently underway to determine the feasibility of another amalgamation

for September 2013. I will provide this Honourable House with an update the

moment I am in a position to do so.

Cost Centre 27310 (Departmental Support Preschools) was funded $10,000 in

last year’s budget to provide additional funds to individual preschools if needed.

The Ministry of Education did not allocate any similar funding for 2013/2014 as

practically none of the previous year’s funding was utilised.

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Program 1705 (Primary Schools)

The total budget allocation for our 18 public primary schools is $29,815,000,

which is 8.6% less than in last year’s budget. This reduction is mainly due to

savings achieved in security guard costs as a result of the installation of closed

circuit television cameras, and reduced allocations for office supplies and cleaning

materials. However, this reduction is partially offset by the increase in Cost

Centre 27071 (Office Support), as explained under that caption, for the 13

teachers (10 primary, 1 middle, 2 senior) temporarily placed in that cost centre.

Adjusting for the salaries of these teachers, the funding for primary schools is

5.6% lower than last year.

Cost Centre 27510 (Departmental Support Primary Schools) was funded at

$100,000 in last year’s budget to provide additional funds to individual primary

schools if needed. The Ministry of Education did not allocate any similar funding

for 2013/2014 as none of the previous year’s funding was utilised.

Program 1706 (Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy)

The Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy educates 24 students with specialised

needs with a budget of $723,000, consistent with last year.

Mr. Chairman, turning to Page B-107 – Program 1707 funds our middle schools,

which currently service close to 1,100 students. The aggregated allocation to

36

middle schools for the upcoming budget year is $17,591,000, which is 5.7% lower

than last year’s allocation. As mentioned under the captions for preschools and

primary schools, the reduction is largely due to the cessation of roving security

guard services pursuant to the installation of security cameras in schools and to

reduced allocations for office supplies and cleaning materials. Year-over-year

changes in budgets at the school level are also affected by the number of teachers

and their salaries, which will fluctuate based on student enrollment.

Mr. Chairman, in recent weeks we have heard some concern in this place and in

the public regarding Middle School Education. In my discussions with the

substantive Minister of Education, he has advised me that he found that the

Ministry, principals and teachers were already looking at the middle school

concept and considering what we must do to enhance our outcomes at that level

and to better prepare our students to enter secondary school.

I have noted that this is a standing item in the meeting minutes of the senior

management team of the Department of Education. Most recently, the

Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Bermuda Union of Teachers

and Principals, has established a framework for the transformation of Middle

Schools. The intent of the transformation is to address:

Public Confidence

Increased Student Achievement

Staff Expectations

Content, Skill, and Knowledge of Educators

37

Culture and climate of schools

Currency and relevancy

Discussions have commenced with representatives of the Bermuda Union of

Teachers and Principals to determine the way forward.

Mr. Chairman, in the recent Speech from the Throne, the Government noted its

intent to “begin the necessary steps to introduce an integrated technical

curriculum starting at the middle school level.” I am pleased to announce that

discussions have begun with private sector entities to establish a summer

programme. Although discussion is at an early stage, this initiative focuses on

science, technology and, mathematics. This proposal along with our Career

Pathways programme will help us to determine exactly what technical education

will look like as we are working to transform our middle schools.

Cost Centre 27065 (Departmental Support – Middle Schools) was funded at

$50,000 in last year’s budget to provide additional funds to individual middle

schools if needed. The Ministry of Education did not allocate any similar funding

for 2013/2014 as none of the previous year’s funding was utilised.

Program 1708 (Senior Schools)

Mr. Chairman, our two senior schools currently service just under 1,400 students.

According to current figures in the Budget Book, the senior schools are being

allocated additional funds from last year’s budget totaling $641,000, a 2.5%

increase. The aggregate allocation for the upcoming budget year is $26,490,000,

38

of which CedarBridge Academy’s share is $13,868,000. Please note, Mr.

Chairman, that a further amount of $332,000 will be reallocated to CedarBridge

Academy from within the Ministry of Education’s overall budget after the

approval of all budgets. This required change was unfortunately noted once the

deadline to finalise the Estimates proofs had passed. CedarBridge Academy’s

total increase of $360,000 ($28,000 plus $332,000) is to raise CedarBridge

Academy’s grant amount, which was underfunded by $1,050,000 in last year’s

budget due to budgetary cutbacks. This proved to be an unachievable reduction

for the school, as evidenced by their revised estimate for 2012/2013. These

increases are offset by two fewer teacher posts than last year.

The Berkeley Institute was provided an additional $613,000; their projected

expenditure is at $12,622,000. These additional funds are to reinstate Berkeley

Institute’s full grant amount, which was similarly underfunded by $800,000 in last

year’s budget. This increase is offset by three fewer teacher posts than last year.

Cost Centre 27630 (Departmental Support – Senior Schools) was funded at

$50,000 in last year’s budget to provide additional funds to individual senior

schools if needed. The Ministry of Education did not allocate any similar funding

for 2013/2014 as almost none of the previous year’s funding was utilised.

Mr. Chairman, before I conclude discussion of the cost centres related to schools,

let me provide an update on our Throne Speech initiative to extend the school

day. I am sure that as you reviewed the Budget Book, you noted that there has

been no funding provided for this programme.

39

It is important to note that our schools presently have afterschool programmes

including various activities such as homework clubs, outward bounds, sports and

the arts. Additionally, the substantive Minister has been approached by several

community stakeholders who wish to provide programming for our students.

These individuals and groups are being encouraged to utilise the afterschool

period so that we provide our students with the greatest range of options to keep

them supervised and productive as they await their parents and guardians to

complete their work day. These entities also have the understanding that they

will independently fund these programmes in support of our children.

In the upcoming year, we will enter into consultation with our Union stakeholders

to consider how we might formalise proposals to extend the school day in the

best interests of our children.

Program 1709 (Curriculum and Assessment)

Cost Centre 27010 (Literacy Initiative) – funds the salaries of six co-teachers who

assist the Literacy Coordinators to deliver the Literacy Collaborative programme.

For the upcoming budget year, an allocation of $508,000 was attributed to this

cost centre, a slight decline from last year.

Mr. Chairman, the Cambridge International Examinations at P6, M3 and S2 are

funded from Cost Centre 27020 (Assessment and Evaluation), which was

allocated a budget of $579,000. Effective the 2012/2013 school year, all S2

students are required to take GCSEs in math, English and science each June. With

40

a year of understanding under our belts of the financial resource requirements for

this cost centre, you will note a reduction of $601,000 from last year’s budget,

the bulk of which is the elimination of local and overseas consulting costs. The

Ministry will instead utilize a “train the trainer” approach at a much lower

investment in teacher honoraria.

The Ministry is presently exploring the expansion of the Cambridge Curriculum

beyond English, Math and Science. Social Studies is presently being vetted and

approved by Cambridge and consideration is also being given to Cambridge

courses including Global Perspectives, Enterprise Education, Physics, Chemistry

and Biology.

You will note that there has also been a substantial decrease in Cost Centre 27520

(Curriculum Implementation). The decrease of $2,280,000 in this cost centre is

largely related to human resources costs: 11 positions that remained vacant for

more than one year were not planned to be filled in the upcoming budget year,

and several other positions that became vacant during the year will remain as

such until the Ministry completes its assessment of the true staff complement

needs of this section. We also eliminated local and overseas consulting costs that

were planned last year but not utilised, and funding of $36,000 for the Waterwise

programme. These savings are offset by an increase of $99,000 for instructional

materials such as teacher guidebooks for lessons and laboratory materials for the

science curriculum, including the chemicals required for experiments.

41

Cost Centre 27524 (Early College and Career Pathways) is a new programme that

started in September 2012 as a result of a Throne Speech initiative that was not

funded in 2012/2013. Mr. Chairman, the Career Pathways Programme is one that

emanated from the Mincy Report, which was commissioned by the Bermuda

Government to explore the reasons why young black males failed to secure

employment in Bermuda’s local economy.

The philosophy of the Career Pathway Programme is one that allows senior school

students in the Bermuda Public School System to develop academic, technical and

employability skills through career pathways in preparation for careers and

college opportunities for a 21st Century global economy.

The Career Pathway Programme consists of five areas of study: College

Preparation Courses, Applied Technology, Business and Hospitality, Health and

Human Services, and Athletics, Arts and Communication.

The Career Pathway Programme is a one that guides students in a pathway that

provides relevant learning through rigour and first-hand experience. The

programme contains core standards and competencies. The core standards

consist of:

- Communications

- Technical Knowledge and Skills

- Health and Safety

- Technology

- Business and Entrepreneurship

42

- Leadership and Teamwork

- Career Planning and Management

- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

This is a dynamic partnership between Bermuda’s industry partners, the Ministry

of Education, and the Bermuda College. Our industry partners include 19

companies spanning fields such as banking, healthcare, aviation, automotive, and

television communications, 24 establishments in the hospitality and restaurant

industry, and 10 government ministries. The intent of the programme is to:

Promote student identification, knowledge and exploration of career and

college options;

Provide work placements that enable students to observe, experience, and

learn, first-hand work values, skills and practices;

Provide students with the opportunity to participate in advanced college

preparation and further college readiness; and,

Foster development of inter-personal communication, relationships,

professionalism and accountability.

Interest and participation levels from industry have surpassed our expectations

and the programme is a big success. Two hundred students from the Berkeley

Institute and CedarBridge Academy are enrolled in the programme and we are

thankful to all of our industry partners for making this a reality.

The allocated funds of $98,000 in 2013/2014 support one administrator and

nominal other costs such as printing, course registration fees and a certification

fee with City and Guilds.

43

Mr. Chairman, I will now provide information on the allocated budget for

Program 1712 (Early Childhood Education).

Early Childhood Education represents the foundation for student success. This is

an area of great concern to us as there has not been leadership in this area over a

period of ten years.

The Department of Education is presently recruiting for an Assistant Director of

Early Childhood and we hope to have this individual in place for September 2013.

Once in post, the Assistant Director will provide leadership in charting the course

for early childhood education, ensure that our practices are aligned with 21st

century practices and develop an appropriate framework to enhance the early

childhood experience and ensure student success later in life.

Cost Centre 27175 (Child Development).

The Child Development Programme has a total budget allocation of $1,718,000,

an increase of $246,000 or 16.7% from the previous budget. In collaboration with

the Ministry of Health, this programme provides early detection of developmental

concerns in children from birth to four years of age, and early intervention

support services to address identified concerns such as learning, psychological,

motor or social deficits. In addition to providing these supports for children and

their families, the Child Development Programme has an overall goal of preparing

children for preschool.

44

It is important to engage the parent and child as soon as possible following

detection of deficits. To ensure early identification and intervention and provide

the best opportunity for student success, the Ministry announced in the recent

Speech from the Throne that the two-year old screenings will be extended and

made mandatory for children age two to four years old. The programme will

therefore fill four existing vacant posts and add two others, bringing the total full-

time equivalents for this programme to 20, including a Quality Child Care Officer

to oversee workshops and services provided to home day care and day care

providers. This represents a net increase of three posts from the 17 posts

planned last year.

Cost Centre 27700 (After Preschool Care) – funds the wages of part-time, hourly

paid employees who provide quality supervision and organized activities to

approximately 220 preschoolers. This year’s budget allocation is consistent with

last year’s, and includes funds for an additional half-time staff member.

SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS OF CURRENT ACCOUNT ESTIMATES:

Mr. Chairman, I now refer you to page B-108. The first table on that page

compares the 2013/2014 Estimate of $121,000,000 to the original budget for

2012/2013 of $113,228,000 and highlights the differences between the two years

by expenditure category. I will provide brief explanations for the larger variances:

Salaries are higher by $9,057,000 in order to fund adequately the Learning

Support, Paraprofessionals, Alternative Education and Substitutes

45

programmes, which last year were not funded to the level necessary due

to budgetary cutbacks, and to fund the salaries of existing but vacant posts

and new posts that will be filled in 2013/2014, such as five Content

Specialists, an autism teacher, the aforementioned posts in the Child

Development Programme, and two Education Officers for Psychology and

School Improvement and Staff Development.

Other Personnel costs are higher by $142,000, largely related to additional

teacher honoraria in order to leverage a “train the trainer” approach and

save in training costs and consulting fees in the process.

Training costs are higher by $736,000 in order to adequately fund the

needs of the School Improvement and Professional Development

Programme (Cost Centre 27031), which is responsible for a central training

budget of $1,150,000 (an increase of $925,000) for the professional

development of teaching staff across the school system. This increase is

offset by budget reductions in Curriculum Implementation, the Office of

the Commissioner and Information Technology Support.

Travel costs are lower by $247,000, the result of continued cost

containment and cost reduction efforts by the Department.

Communication costs are higher by $433,000, of which $422,000 is in the

Information Technology Support programme for data services for teaching

and learning applications, leased circuits and internet provisioning services

at our hosted data centre, new annual support costs for past acquisitions

and new maintenance agreements.

Professional Services costs are $911,000 lower. The reduction is mainly in

the Curriculum Implementation programme and in the Office of the

46

Commissioner of Education, in which local and overseas consulting costs

were eliminated due to the adoption of a “train the trainer” approach.

Rental costs are $261,000 lower, mainly due to savings achieved through

the consolidation of office locations at Southside and the termination of a

lease for the former Lagoon Park Preschool location. The preschool was

moved to Somerset Primary.

Repair and Maintenance costs are $1,580,000 lower, largely the result of

savings in security monitoring services as a result of the installation of

closed caption television cameras in schools.

Energy costs are $115,000 higher, mainly due to current electricity usage

rates across the school system and anticipated escalation costs for this

utility service.

Materials and Supplies are $944,000 lower, largely the result of reduced

allocations for office supplies and cleaning materials across preschools,

primary and middle schools ($642,000) and other programmes.

Grants and Contributions are $618,000 higher due to the increases in the

operating grants to The Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy. Note

that this difference currently excludes the additional $332,000 that will be

transferred to CedarBridge once budgets are approved, as I referred to

earlier in this document.

47

EMPLOYEE NUMBERS (FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS):

Mr. Chairman, I now refer you to pages B-109 and B-110, which provide a listing

of the number of employees planned for the 2013/2014 fiscal year in the

Department of Education. You will note an overall decrease of 61 posts from the

levels planned in the previous budget, however the correct figure is 60 posts. The

Budget Book should have reflected nine employees in Cost Centre 27700 (After

Preschool Care) instead of eight, bringing the total number of employees for

2013/2014 to 1,185. Mr. Chairman, as previously mentioned in this presentation,

in June 2011 the Ministry eliminated a mix of teaching, paraprofessional and

educational therapist assistant posts. A net reduction of 53 posts was achieved at

the time, and these have been frozen since then as one of our measures to deal

with our funding shortfall in 2012/2013. The Ministry also curtailed the use of

substitute teachers, did not fill some approved and funded posts and did not fill

some posts once vacant to assess the true staff complement needs of certain

sections. Lastly, the Ministry removed funding equivalent to five sabbatical

leaves, as previously explained under the caption of Cost Centre 27030 (Human

Resources). The Ministry plans to fill some important existing posts that are much

needed, such as: five additional Content Specialists in mathematics, science,

physical education and health; an autism teacher for the third classroom that

remains to be opened; the aforementioned posts in the Child Development

Programme; and two Education Officers for Psychology and School Improvement

and Staff Development. Details of the posts will be found in the advertisements

when listed.

48

Mr. Chairman, I also wish to highlight that the column referenced 2011/2012

Actual on pages B-109 and B-110 does not reflect the correct number of

employees for that fiscal year; indeed, the figures shown are those of our original

budget for 2011/2012. The Department of Education (Head 17) had 1,167

employees as at the end of March 2012, or 74 fewer employees than the 1,241

shown in the Budget Book. The error has been pointed out to the Budget Office.

Mr. Chairman, in the first nine months of 2012/2013 and through various means,

the Ministry reduced its total actual expenditure by 10% compared to the same

period last year, and its non-salary expenditure by 22%. We are sensitive to

Bermuda’s current and foreseen economic context, and we are firmly committed

to continuing to manage our overall costs judiciously, including salary and wage

costs. All staffing processes must first be authorised by the Commissioner of

Education and the Permanent Secretary, through well-justified business cases,

regardless of their inclusion in the budget.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

Mr. Chairman, I now turn to pages B-111 to B-113. As part of its budget

submission for 2013/2014, the Ministry overhauled its performance

measurement framework to track and monitor its progress towards the

implementation of the Blueprint for Reform in Education and report publicly on its

results achieved versus target outcomes. Members will note, however, that

certain measures come into effect for the 2013/2014 reporting year, and

therefore do not have comparatives in earlier years.

49

HEAD 41 – BERMUDA COLLEGE:

Mr. Chairman, I would now like to move to Head 41, page B-122, Cost Centre

51000 (The Bermuda College’s Operating Grant)

Mr. Chairman, Bermuda College, as the only tertiary level institution in Bermuda,

is committed to setting Bermuda’s students on the paths to success through the

provision of comprehensive academic and technical education along with

professional training, personal and academic support services, quality facilities

and interactive partnerships with local and international entities. As an accredited

community college, Bermuda College is particularly committed to the success of

Bermuda’s students with extensive transfer programmes leading to success at the

university level. It also provides professional, technical and training programmes

leading to success in the workplace; and preparatory programmes leading to

success in the classroom.

2011-2012 Highlights:

During the 2012 Budget Brief, Bermuda College indicated it would introduce the

Associate in Nursing programme to its list of offerings for the next fiscal year, and

last December, officially launched the Bermuda Nursing Education Pathway. This

Programme developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, and the

Bermuda Hospitals Board, and with input from other key stakeholders, is

designed to deliver quality, innovative nursing education and standardise

excellence in nursing practice in Bermuda. The Nursing Education Pathway will

facilitate the demand for local, qualified nurses and equip its graduates with the

50

knowledge and competence to function as nursing professionals anywhere in the

world. Graduates from the programme will have the opportunity to sit the

international licensure examination to become registered nurses. The next step

for Bermuda College is to begin the process to have the programme accredited by

the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission. The first cohort currently

has 9 students enrolled.

Mr. Chairman, other new programmes developed and introduced this year by the

Division of Professional and Career Education (PACE) based on the needs of the

local workforce per the manpower survey and supported by the National Training

Board included: Horticulture, Food & Beverage Service Certification and the Nail

Technician Certification. The Ministry of Economy, Trades and Industry also

provided financial support to 30 accounting students to take the Certified

Management Accountant, Certified Public Accountant and the Association of

Chartered Certified Accountants programme offered through PACE.

PACE also worked with relevant industry stakeholders to develop and offer the

following workforce development programmes: the Certificate for Dental

Assistants, Personal Fitness Trainer Certification, and the Activities Specialist

Certificate (for seniors’ home employees).

Mr. Chairman, one of Bermuda College’s objectives is to increase the enrolment

and retention of male students. Research shows that the more a student is

engaged with the institution the more likely they are to remain at the institution.

The Registered Student Organisation for males, MENSPEAK, continues to be a

51

positive influence for males on campus as well as in the community. MENSPEAK

hosted a successful Youth Summit in partnership with ACE last March, and for the

first time, sponsored “Men’s Week” in November last year, featuring a week-long

series of activities, including the gallant shaving off of facial hair in support of

Bermuda Cancer & Health; and a power-house forum, dealing with male issues

entitled “Category 5”. MENSPEAK has also partnered with CedarBridge Academy

and its Literacy Project. Bermuda College males spend time with male students at

CedarBridge Academy on a weekly basis to help improve students’ reading

abilities and less ostensibly, to provide a positive male influence.

Mr. Chairman, Science Week continues to be an integral part of the Bermuda

College calendar. Wednesday, January 30, launched the community portion of

Science Week 2013. A capacity-crowd attended the public forum, “Tracking Tiger

Sharks in the Atlantic”, featuring Dr. Neil Burnie and Mr. Choy Aming. They

presented the dynamic work involved in the Bermuda Tiger Shark Project

sponsored by Nova Southeastern University in Florida. As a result of this

collaboration, Bermuda College has purchased a shark tagging device in support

of the Project. Faculty from the Division of Liberal Arts will also join the

expedition on one of its Tiger Shark tagging trips. The forum was sponsored by

the Division of Liberal Arts and remains a popular highlight of the Corange Science

activities promoting natural sciences. The following day, Bermuda College was

inundated with approximately 300 middle and senior high school students from

public, private, and home schools for Science Day 2013, allowing students to

explore both natural and applied sciences with activities organised collaboratively

between the Divisions of Applied Science & Technology, Liberal Arts, Business

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Administration & Hospitality, and the Nursing Department. Other evening events

held during Science Week 2013 featured a live presentation of the popular "Live,

Love, Eat" culinary arts show with Chef Teneika Eve – again, an oversubscribed

event with over 120 in attendance; and a series of handy Do It Yourself (DIY) mini

workshops teaching basic automotive, plumbing, carpentry and other skills to the

average householder, sponsored by the Division of Applied Science & Technology.

All events recorded higher numbers of attendees than the previous year,

indicating that the now annual event is finding its niche in the community.

Mr. Chairman, two new Honorary Fellows were inducted into the Bermuda

College Company of Honorary Fellows. Dame Jennifer Smith, and Dr. Marion

Robinson were both celebrated for their respective contributions to education in

particular and to the community in general.

Bermuda College partnered with the Department of Corrections during the

Summer of 2012. This partnership allowed for inmates to be transported to the

Bermuda College to provide manual labour. These individuals worked steadily and

were able to complete the exterior painting of three of Bermuda College’s

buildings; College Centre, Hallett Hall and North Hall. This programme saved the

College over $100,000.

In Fall 2012 as part of the intake process for new students, the Counselling and

Career Centre began collecting data that examines the demographic profile of the

new students and explores aspects of his or her expectations, motivations and

concerns. Such measures have assisted Bermuda College in formulating specific

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strategies, programmes and initiatives germane to the enhanced success of its

students.

Catering company Flying Chef became the new cafeteria vendor on campus. The

contract is awarded for two and a half years and they provide a varied menu at a

reasonable cost to students and employees.

Output measures:

Mr. Chairman, output measures for the College’s activities were as follows:

Bermuda College graduated 94 students with associate degrees, diplomas or

certificates in more than 40 credit programmes.

Division of Applied Science & Technology – 22 Graduates

Certificate in Electrical Wiring Technology – 8

Certificate in Electronics Technology – 1

Certificate in Motor Vehicle Technology – 3

Diploma in Masonry Technology – 3

Diploma in Plumbing Technology – 1

Diploma in Welding Technology – 2

Diploma in Wood Technology – 1

Associate in Science (Electronics) – 1

Associate of Applied Science (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning – 1

Associate of Applied Science (Motor Vehicle Technology) – 1

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Division of Business Administration & Hospitality – 45 Graduates

Certificate for Accounting Assistants – 2

Certificate for Office Assistants – 2

Certificate in Office Skills – 1

Diploma in Computer Network Technology – 1

Diploma in Culinary Arts – 5

Diploma in Office Administration – 1

Diploma in Web Development – 1

Associate of Applied Science (Business Administration) – 15

Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts – 2

Associate of Applied Science (Hospitality Management) – 1

Associate of Applied Science (Web Development) – 1

Associate of Arts (Business Administration) – 10

Associate of Science (Computer Information Systems) – 3

Division of Liberal Arts – 27 Graduates

Associate of Arts (Art & Design) – 4

Associate of Arts – 4

Associate of Arts & Science – 4

Associate of Arts (Human Services) – 5

Associate of Science (Actuarial Science) – 2

Associate of Science (Education) – 4

Associate of Science - 4

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Mr. Chairman, in addition, 16 persons received baccalaureate degrees in business

administration (14) and child and youth studies (2) through the partnership with

Mount Saint Vincent University. There were also four graduates from the

University of Kent’s law programme offered in partnership with Bermuda College.

This past December, 175 persons earned external certificates or professional

designations from external programmes and workforce development training

offered through the Division of Professional and Career Education (PACE) as

shown below:

Certificate for Nursing Assistant – 33

Certificate for Childcare Assistant – 8

Certificate for Activities Specialist – 13

City & Guilds Certificate in Hairdressing – 5

Certificate for Dental Assistants – 6

Certificate in Basic Horticulture – 32

Certificate in Nail Technology – 8

Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Certificate in Management – 4

ILM Certificate in Team Leading – 13

American Management Association (AMA) Certificate in General

Management – 9

AMA Certificate in Human Resources – 7

AMA Certificate for the Administrative Professional – 2

AMA Certificate in Finance & Accounting – 2

Building Owners & Managers Institute (BOMI) Facilities Management – 4

International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Certified

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Administrative Professional – 2

International Driving License (ICDL) – 5

Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) Level 2 Certificate in Legal

Studies – 11

CILEX Level 2 Conveyancing – 5

CILEX Level 2 Principles of Criminal Law – 1

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Diploma in

Accounting and Business – 5

In Fall of 2012 the College enrolled 1,207 students representing a decrease of

5.6% or 71 students. However, there was a 10% increase in the full-time

enrolment from 324 in Fall 2011 to 358 in Fall 2012. The average full-time

enrolment over the past 5 years is 339 or 26%. Hence the College is realising its

objective of increasing full-time enrolment.

Mr. Chairman, for the fourth consecutive year there was an increase in enrolment

in the Professional and Career Education Division. This year’s enrolment was 300

compared to Fall 2011 when it was 267, an increase of 12%.

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As a means of increasing retention, the College implemented an early alert

system—Retention Alert—as part of the advising programme and there was a 6%

increase in retention in Fall 2012 compared to Fall 2011 and a 2% increase in

Spring 2013 compared to the same time a year ago.

2012-2013 Expenditures:

Mr. Chairman, last year Bermuda College received 81% or $18,119,000 of its

operating budget from its Government grant. Revenue from other sources

contributed $4,241,279 which, together, made for a total revenue figure for the

2012/13 budget year of $22,360,279. During this period a pay freeze streamlined

salaries to $12,911,776, while centralised expenses totalled $3,527,809. Both

figures were lower than the previous year as Bermuda College leveraged staff

FA /12FA /11FA /10FA /09FA /08FA /07FA /06FA /05

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

Semester

Nu

mb

er o

f S

tud

en

ts

Full Time

Part Time (Credit)

Part Time (Non Credit)

Variable

358

324

295

358360

289

337359

496

540

712

677

831

577

546

629

353

414

306

234

175

226

198220

Time Series Plot: Full Time & Part Time

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attrition and redistribution of various responsibilities. Included in centralised

expenses are benefits totalling $1,707,824, electricity and insurance costs of

$1,650,000, and other operating expenses amounting to $5,920,694.

Maintenance of the physical plant of Bermuda College continued as part of the

College’s commitment to providing a safe environment for students and

employees. Three specific projects were completed at a cost of less than

$250,000. Bermuda College completed the second phase of its Exterior Lighting

Project in July 2012. The $65,000 Project was spread over two fiscal years and

undertaken as a result of safety concerns by students and staff. Bermuda College

also repaved one of its parking lots as the area was deemed hazardous to

pedestrians. The re-surfacing project was completed at a cost of $42,717.

Additionally, aging Bermuda College buildings have become susceptible to

termites, and during the Summer of 2012, Brock Hall, (the oldest building on

campus) was fumigated at a cost of $117,546.

Bermuda College understands that every little bit helps. In addition to the

discounted tuition that was implemented in Fall 2011, Bermuda College

implemented laboratory fees for various courses effective Fall 2012. These fees

offset the cost of supplies, and a three-year tiered costing schedule will recoup

costs as follows: 10% in Fall 2012, 18% in Fall 2013 and 25% in Fall 2014. The lab

fees are estimated to generate revenue of $14,030 in fiscal 2012, $25,096 in fiscal

2013 and $32,450 in fiscal 2014.

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2013-2014 Budget Year:

Mr. Chairman, for the upcoming year, the College will be allocated a grant

amount of $18,119,000, which is unchanged from last year and the year prior.

This grant amount funds 81% of the College’s operating budget, of which salary

costs account for 58 percentage points.

Bermuda College continues to utilise internal stakeholders as part of its annual

budget process. The Budget Committee includes representatives from the

Student Government Council, faculty, support staff, members from the Executive

and a selection of budget managers. The goal of the Budget Committee is to

prepare a balanced budget to present to the Board Finance Committee and then

the Board.

With approximately 58% of the College’s budget representing salaries, it is

constantly seeking ways to decrease its payroll costs. Salaries are estimated to be

$12,600,695 for the 2013/14 fiscal year which is a decrease of $311,081 or 2.4%

from the previous year when the College employees took a 6 day furlough.

Mr. Chairman, during the 2013/14 fiscal year Bermuda College will continue its

process of careful operational and procedural reviews in order to increase

efficiencies while lowering costs. Some major capital expenditures will again be

deferred, including restoring a roof ($315,000), road resurfacing ($65,000),

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additional smart classrooms ($120,000) and the installation of a lift in Brock Hall

($235,000).

Bermuda College will seek to increase its revenue generated from the rental of its

facilities with a marketing campaign and the increase in rent due from Coco Reef

hotel. It is also expecting to generate additional revenue from workforce

development contracts.

Technology will be improved in classrooms and an Open Lab will be designated

for students who may not have access to a computer or the Internet outside of

the campus.

The replacement of some of the College’s old security equipment is imperative, as

it is obsolete and is no longer compatible with the current network systems. This

will greatly enhance the capabilities and efficiency of the Security Department

and ultimately the safety of both students and employees. The College’s

administration building, College Centre, is earmarked for fumigation this summer

as part of the College’s maintenance plan.

The College has also set aside funds for the start-up costs for a new motorcycle

mechanics programme which is being developed in partnership with industry.

Looking Ahead:

Mr. Chairman, during the next fiscal year Bermuda College will conduct a review

of its 2008 Strategic Plan to ensure that it continues to fulfil its core mission of

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Setting Bermuda’s Students on their Paths to Success. The review will also include

developing strategies for an additional 5 years to 2023, in order that the

strategies remain relevant, yet innovative. The strategic planning process will be

orchestrated in a similar fashion to the 2008 Strategic Plan using the Appreciative

Inquiry approach, and will involve a vast variety of external and internal

stakeholders.

Bermuda College will expand current use of social media and other marketing and

recruitment strategies to continue to market Bermuda College as the logical first

step for quality and affordable higher education for Bermuda’s students. It will

continue to work with high school principals and guidance counselors to facilitate

the higher education potential of advanced students by allowing them to take

college-level courses while still in high school, earning both high school and

transferrable college credits.

It will look to internationalise the campus by introducing cultural exchange

experiences for Bermuda College students and will also investigate short-term

housing options to be able to accommodate overseas students for a “Bermuda

Term”. This investigation involves working with the small guest houses in the

Paget area to house international students at a reasonable cost.

Initially, the Bermuda College would like to see 5 – 10 student exchanges each

year or 10 - 20 students after the initial year. If this is successful the second phase

would be to market to international students to come to Bermuda to complete

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their associate degree. It is envisioned that the programme would have 40 – 50

students after the 1st year.

Bermuda College will expand support services to target students most at risk for a

premature exit, using early identification, intervention and impact strategies.

Bermuda College anticipates introducing new partnerships with accredited four-

year institutions in the United Kingdom and/or North America that will deliver

teacher certification and new career pathways in healthcare. Such partnerships

will also seek to aggressively expand areas in professional services, technical

trades and applied sciences to meet local workforce shortfalls.

Mr. Chairman, Bermuda College will continue to forge alliances with professional

credentialing and accrediting agencies for workforce development and

professional certification, such as: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

(ACCA), Certified Management Accountants (CMA) and Certified Public

Accountants (CPA) for accountants; Charted Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX)

for legal executives; Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) for building

owners and managers; City & Guilds for the applied sciences; and the American

Culinary Federation for culinary arts.

Later this spring the College will open its new Research Centre which will house

the literary works of the late Mr. Brian Burland, Bermuda’s most acclaimed author

and former Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. The College received this

remarkable collection of literary and artistic material from the estate of Mr.

Burland. The Research Centre will be a special place that celebrates the

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contributions of outstanding Bermudian authors and becomes a repository for

this unique portion of Bermuda’s culture.

To support the new nursing programme curriculum, the College will establish a

state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Laboratory in Tech Hall. The laboratory will

allow students to combine theoretical and practical knowledge in a dynamic

learning environment.

A Request for Proposal to operate the Child Care facility, which was funded

through last year’s grant, will be issued shortly with the intent for the facility to be

operational for the start of the 2013-2014 academic year.

Mr. Chairman, after years of inactivity the Bermuda College Faculty Association

has been reborn. This Association will be the forum for professional discussions

on pedagogical matters and areas of concern to the College and faculty. It will

also promote intellectual and social activities and organise professional

development activities for faculty. Funds will be set aside during the next fiscal

year to assist the Association with its goals.

Over this next fiscal year, Bermuda College looks forward to doing its part to

stimulate the economy and making Bermuda more competitive by fulfilling its

mission of setting Bermuda’s students on their paths to success.

Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement on the Ministry of Education’s budget

for the fiscal year 2013/2014.