Governors angry at school closure
EDUCATION Minister Caitriona Ruane has come under fire over her decision to close a school in Ballymena.
The board of governors of Ballee Primary School issued a statement this week, expressing its disappointment at the decision.
Ballee's acting principal, Liz Lynn, said she was unable to comment on a likely date for the closure until she had the full facts.
"I am only reading the information on the department's website the same as everyone else. As yet I have not received any letter from the department although it is supposed to be on its way," she said.
Chairman of the board of governors, the Rev Joseph Andrews, is unhappy at the lack of meaningful engagement from the Minister and said: "It is noted with regret that Minister Ruane never found time to visit the school during the consultation period and speak to those whose lives her decision has now blighted but announced the closure of the school via a general press release.
"The Department of Education refers to a decline in numbers enrolling at the school but the numbers have actually been fluctuating in line with population changes.
"Any decline in numbers has been very recent and coincides with the commencement of the Department's review, which many parents interpreted as the beginning of a closure process, and decided to place their children elsewhere to avoid future disruption to their education."
Mr Andrews also criticised the Minister's overall assessement of the situation at Ballee, saying: "I totally reject the claim made by Minister Ruane that her decision to close Ballee Primary 'is in the best educational interests of the pupils currently attending the school.' The closure of this school deprives the community of a much needed educational resource tailored to meet best the needs of its children"
TUV leader Jim Allister said: "At a time when, as part of her political agenda, (Caitriona] Ruane is looking to establish an Irish medium school in Ballymena, it is quite appalling, but utterly in keeping with her destructive agenda, that she moves with such speed to close the controlled primary at Ballee."
Commenting on the decision to close the school, minister Ruane said: "Ballee Primary School has suffered from declining enrolments for a number of years and has only 40 children enrolled in 2009/10. It is never an easy decision to agree to the closure of any school, but I am confident that my decision is in the best educational interests of the pupils currently attending the school.
"I am sure all those involved, including parents and school staff, will work hard to ensure a smooth transition for the children and I would also like to pay tribute to all those connected with Ballee Primary School who over many years have shown their commitment and dedication to the school and its pupils."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
