Government Issue RFP For ‘School Redesign’
The Government has issued an RFP for “School Redesign and Signature School Consultancy,” inviting proposals for consultancy services to work with the Ministry and the Department of Education to “restructure the Bermuda Public School System, redesign schools, and design new specialized schools.”
The RFP notes:
The Government has committed to:
- 1. Moving the public education system from a 3-tiered structure for compulsory education, consisting of primary, middle and senior schools [and which also includes an alternative programme and a special school for all year levels] to a 2-tiered education structure, comprising primary and senior schools by September 2021; and,
- 2. Developing and introducing specialized schools at the senior school level, akin to magnet or signature schools by September 2021
The Ministry led by the Minister of Education requires that these commitments be achieved within the context of high-quality school redesign, school design and Plan 2022.
Therefore, the Ministry as part of the Government, is looking to contract a proponent [which could be an individual consultant or organization] with qualifications and a proven track record in school redesign and design, in order to help develop and manage the restructuring, school redesign and design process for the Bermuda Public School System.
The consultancy services will include:
- The planning and (re)design of the school system and schools;
- 21st century improvements in the quality of teaching and learning and physical learning environments;
- Stakeholder involvement, engagement, communication and consultation;
- Implementation and delivery;
- Professional development; and
- The production of reports to include findings, proposals and recommendations, in addition to a post-implementation assessment as part of our efforts towards continuous improvement.
Minister of Education Diallo Rabain previously said, “As we continue to take steps forward to transform the Bermuda Public School System, the Ministry of Education will issue a Request for Proposal [RFP], seeking proposals from local and overseas organizations to plan, manage and execute the school redesign process.
“Issuing an RFP will provide us with the benefit of using an effective, existing, structured school redesign process that can be tailored to the needs of the Bermuda Public School System. This will also allow the officers within the Department of Education to continue to focus on the day to day work of Public School Education.
“I encourage the public to review the RFP, which will be available online under the Office of Project Management and Procurement section of gov.bm. You will see our sincere intention to be collaborative by giving you the opportunity to help the Government and Department of Education to transform public education in Bermuda.”
The RFP notes that the Bermuda Public School System “serves roughly 5,000 students who attend 36 public schools comprising 10 preschools; 18 primary schools; 5 middle schools; two senior schools; and one special education school. There is also an alternative education programme that serves a small number of students.”
The RFP follows below [PDF here]:
Ok, now I’m confused. I distinctly recall the Minister saying that Bermuda was scrapping the “mega” high-school concept in favour of “signature” or community high-schools. In other words, we are going back to where we were before 1995 and Cedarbridge Academy.
Now the Minister wants proposals? Really? You decided to scrap the concept of Cedarbridge and The Berkley on what basis? Intuition? What evidence of benefit did you have when you decided to revert to community high-schools?
It’s pure political pandering! There’s no solid research or data showing reasons why Middle Schools should be closed. At the end of Primary School a number of public school students transition into Private Schools – mainly high flyers. Hence during the first year of Middle School, Public School average grades drop in comparison to the previous years Primary School averages due to the “brain drain” to Private Schools!
PLEASE, PLEASE INCLUDE THE EDUCATORS. ALL ARE A PART OF THE SUCCESS. THEY ARE SMART, DEDICATED, EXPERIENCED AND THE best PERSONS TO TAKE PUBLIC EDUCATION forward!!
Do you suffer from poor hearing? You always seem to be shouting.
She thinks that shouting transforms lies into the truth !
what the hell are we paying those exhorbitant paychecks to DofE for? and the Minister for that matter!!!
What? I thought all this was done already? When they got re-elected they made it sound lìke the plan was ready to be put into action. Now they’re saying they need consultants to help them redesign the school system? In 2.5 years? Plan 2022 huh? This crap won’t see the light of day until 2030. I really hope it doesn’t, truth be told I really hope Bermuda is smart enough to vote them out of office at the next election.
This is being done so when the “Sh@t hits the fan”, the PLP Govt can duck and point at the “Consultants” – its their idea, not ours!!!
This is pure PLP. They got re-elected in 2017 and don’t have a clue what to do about anything to do with governing Bermuda. They are now on record as asking for help from the OBA, the public, anyone. Raising taxes on the private sector and creating more unemployment there, but hiring more Civil Servants and spending money on overseas travel and on new GP cars.