Claims by Fife Council’s SNP opposition that proposed school closures are a betrayal of children have been described as “bizarre” by a leading teachers’ union.
David Farmer, publicity officer for Fife EIS (Educational Institute of Scotland), said he was “surprised” at some of the comments made by some Fife SNP politicians following news seven primary schools are earmarked for closure.
It came as Glenrothes and Central Fife Labour MP Lindsay Roy wrote to Fife SNP leader Peter Grant calling on him to substantiate recent remarks that alleged public engagement had been “riddled with inaccurate, misleading and out of date information”.
The Courier reported how Fife Council Labour leader Alex Rowley has denied claims by the SNP that proposed school closures are a “pathetic political game”, and accused the SNP of hypocrisy.
Mr Farmer, who stressed that the EIS is non-political, said: “For opposition councillors to say they are shocked is quite bizarre if you ask me. It was the opposition on Fife Council, when they were in administration, who compiled the figures that the current decisions are based on.
“All the parties in Fife agreed some time ago that in this economic climate school closures were inevitable.
“Inevitably some communities will be unhappy with the proposed closures, but our view is that we need to take every proposed closure on a case by case basis because there could be a variety of reasons why school closures are necessary.”
Mr Farmer said the EIS would expect to have some detailed discussions with the education service about what’s happening to staff.
“Teachers in some of the schools will have known that this was on the cards for a while. But as a union, we need to be involved in discussions as the debate moves forward.
“In the recent past we have had a number of reassurances from the council that there would be no teacher redundancies.
“I don’t know the age profiles of the staff involved, but I would have thought most would be addressed through redeployment or early retirals.”
Mr Farmer said he thought it had been a “smart political move” by Fife Council’s administration to publish the costs of running schools in advance.
However, he said he wouldn’t be surprised if there was only a “reaction” in some communities now as realities hit home.
Meanwhile, East Neuk Liberal Democrat Fife councillors Donald Macgregor and Elizabeth Riches have commented on the proposed closure of New Gilston and Dunino primaries.
They said: “The most important thing is that Fife Council ensures the best possible education for the children who attend our schools.
“Before any closure can be considered, a statutory process of consultation has to take place, which we as local councillors support.
“In the case of Dunino. closure might provide an opportunity to upgrade the school facilities at Kingsbarns, to which Dunino pupils would go.
“There are ongoing difficulties in getting teaching staff for New Gilson. The current pupils are already being taught at Largoward.
“We welcome the news that none of the coastal village schools between Crail and Elie are threatened with closure at present.”
Peter Aitken, chairman of Largo Area Community Council said: “The inclusion of New Gilston Primary on the list of schools proposed for closure is sad news for the local community.
“Economic considerations should not be the only considerations for a school closure. The interests of the whole community should be taken into account as the local school is at the heart of any community.”