MoET & DES Announce Hybrid Start for Layman E. Scott Snr. High School

 The Ministry of Education & Training (MoET), in collaboration with the Department of Education Services (DES), announces that Layman E. Scott Snr. High School will begin the 2025–2026 academic year with hybrid instruction. This measure ensures the safe completion of asbestos remediation work, scheduled to commence at the school in the coming days.

During testing in late June, asbestos-containing materials were identified in a section of the roof and in the tilework of one classroom. While the material remains contained and undisturbed with no indication of immediate risk, the Ministry is acting out of an abundance of caution.

“Once I was apprised of the situation, I called for comprehensive testing to be carried out, ensuring that the matter is resolved with the urgency, transparency, and diligence it deserves,” said Hon. Rolston Anglin, Minister of Education & Training.

Minister Anglin’s remarks were delivered during virtual briefings with educators and parents on Wednesday, 6 August. A recorded version of his message is available online at https://bit.ly/4mwFRPB.

Mr. Devon Bowen, Acting Senior School Improvement Officer for Cayman Brac schools, also attended the meetings and has committed to sharing details of the operational changes with parents and staff in the coming week.

DES is finalising discussions with certified environmental professionals to conduct a full remediation under industry oversight. “Once remediation has begun, no student or member of staff will return to campus until all works are complete and the final air quality results confirm that it is safe to do so,” said Minister Anglin. “We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but safety must remain our highest priority.”

Hon. Nickolas DaCosta, Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs and elected Member of Parliament for Cayman Brac West & Little Cayman, also participated in the briefings:

"As the elected representative for the district and a former student of this very school, I am deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students, teachers, and families. While these temporary adjustments may cause some inconvenience, they are essential to safeguard the long-term health and safety of our community. I commend Minister Anglin and the Department of Education Services for their decisive and transparent action. Rest assured, we are taking all necessary steps to resolve this issue promptly and look forward to resuming normal school operations with complete confidence in the safety of our learning environment.”

A summary of the final air quality test results will be published on the school’s webpage at https://schools.edu.ky/lshs. The June 2025 Air Fiber Sampling Test Results can be found at https://www.gov.ky/education/publications.

MoET and DES will continue providing timely updates and support to stakeholders throughout the remediation process.

“This is about reaffirming our collective responsibility to maintain environments that are secure, healthy, and future-ready,” Minister Anglin added.

Learn more about Cayman Islands Government schools: https://schools.edu.ky.