"A plan was drawn up and contractors began the tasks required," Ms Casey said.
"At both schools this included testing and ensuring the infrastructure systems were operational - fire alarms, boilers and heating, stormwater and wastewater drainage, and the availability of drinking water."
Temporary fencing was put in around some playing fields at both the primary school and college while soil was tested for contamination.
The schools were closed for the last week of the first term due to flood damage after Cyclone Debbie.
Edgecumbe Playcentre and Central Kids Kindergarten in Edgecumbe will also be open for the start of the term.
Te Kohanga Reo o Patutaatahi would not open, however, as it had "a higher level of damage", Ms Casey said.
Kohanga staff were looking for an alternative venue such as a local marae.
The ministry was negotiating with operators to provide an extra bus service to Edgecumbe for students staying in Whakatane or Kawarau due to the flooding.
The ministry had also asked NZQA to "provide support to the college around the provision of NCEA".
The decile three secondary school had 261 students in February this year.
"We will also be dedicating staff who are experts in dealing with traumatic events to be in the schools for at least the first two weeks of the school term," Ms Casey said.
The Rangitaiki River burst through stopbanks on April 6 after heavy rain from ex-Cyclone Debbie.
About 2000 residents were evacuated with little notice.
