There is a saying "one man's trash, is another man's treasure." In other words, what may be of no value to a particular person, someone else may find some value in that same item.

That's why it was interesting to see the contrast in school enrolment between the public and private schools.

While there were a few private schools reporting an increase in their student population, many are bemoaning a short fall in enrolment because many parents were unable to meet the financial demand for private education.

While there were some parents who were reluctantly registering their child for public education instead of the private schooling they may have been used to, some bit of encouragement could have been found in recent statements by the Minister of Education, Hon. Desmond Bannister, who, while on Grand Bahama, commended three public schools for their outstanding results in the BGCSE last term.

In fact, according to Minister Bannister, there was only one other school in the country that made significant improvement on the National tests, in front of leading GB school St. Geogres High. When one considers the fact that St. Georges High School has a very large student population, and when one considers some of the negative reports that may have emanated from that public school last year, having kids from that school score high on a major high school exam like the BGCSE, says much for how far the school has come.

It proves that not everything is bad about public education.

Therefore, for those parents unable to send their kids to private schools due to the harsh economic situation that's still affecting this island, the Minister's report could offer some consolation. Yes, contrary to public opinion, children can learn (and excel) within the public school system.

Of course sending a child to a private school does not guarantee automatic success. Committed teachers, disciplined students and involved parents just may be the key to ensuring any child's success, whether in public or private schools.

Minister Bannister sent out a challenge to all the other public schools in The Bahamas to emulate the success of St. Georges High School. At the same time, that same challenge goes right back to students at St. Georges for this new season.

They have proven once that success among so many is possible, and now they are challenged to prove that it can be done again.

From all indications Minister Bannister is serious about improving public education in The Bahamas. Thus far, his role as Minister of Education has been impressive. He will have his challenges and he will have the naysayers, those who may be wishing him failure.

But if Minister Bannister remains as committed to his mission as he has been in his frank talks to principals and teachers, public education in The Bahamas could very well be on its way to reaching new heights and becoming even more attractive to more Bahamian parents.

Maybe, just maybe, someday we will reach the point in public education where the fear many Bahamian parents have for their children within the public school system will dissipate.

We can only hope.