Dundee education chiefs categorically denied the proposed closure of Menzieshill High School was a “done deal” during a stormy public meeting last night.
Around 250 parents, pupils, politicians and community figures attended the ill-tempered public consultation at the school to raise issues over the plan to close it and move its 487 pupils to the new build Harris Academy.
Dundee City Council education director Michael Wood told the meeting that the proposed closure at the end of the 2015/2016 session was a “window of opportunity”.
He said: “If we take no action and the new Harris roll goes up and this (Menzieshill High) roll continues to go down we could be in a position in 2017 where we are thinking what will we do with these youngsters?”
In a heated exchange, Menzieshill Parish Church minister the Rev Bob Mallinson told Mr Wood he had a duty to children, adding: “I have not had one positive conversation about the proposed closure.
“People are disgusted with the council. Is this a consultation or is it lip service to the community?”
Mr Wood responded: “That is a bit of an insult. I wouldn’t be doing the rounds if this was not a consultation.”
Responding to a number of questions on the same topic, Mr Wood, who was joined by education convener Stewart Hunter and head of secondary education Paul Clancy, denied the new Harris would be overcrowded as a result of the move.
Frank Jordan, who taught PE at the secondary between 1972 and 1997, said: “This is one of the finest schools in Scotland. They have made up their mind.”
Mr Wood and Mr Hunter both denied that a decision had already been made and insisted the consultation process was vital to gauge the views of the local community.
“The bottom line is, we are listening,” Mr Wood added.
Other concerns raised included transportation, lack of outdoor facilities at Harris Academy and worries over the volumes of traffic beside the new school.
Dundee City Council’s education department voted in principle by 19-10 last month to close the school.
A decision on the proposal will eventually be made in May, with further consultations with the public planned in the meantime.