News / Aith parent joins rural schools commission
Aith school parent council member Bob Cree-Hay will be one of the 15 strong commission, representing the National parents Forum.
The commission is being set up after Scottish education minister Mike Russell called for a one year moratorium on rural school closures to allow national policy to be reviewed.
Shetland Islands Council agreed to put on hold its consultation on closing Olnafirth primary school, in Voe, but said they were not happy with the way central government was interfering with local government issues.
The SIC wants to reduce the number of schools in Shetland, as the present model of education with 26 primary, five junior high and two high schools has become unaffordable and, according to education officials, does not offer equal access to education.
Reacting to Mr Cree-Hay’s appointment, Audrey Edwards from the council’s schools service said it was good news that the isles were represented on the commission.
The commission will be chaired by Sheriff David Sutherland, from Tain plus 14 members from across rural Scotland. The commission is expected to deliver its findings by spring next year.
Mr Russell said: “The Commission on Rural Education is now tasked with looking at all aspects of education in rural areas.
“The individuals gathered together strike the right balance of all the interests at stake here, as well as being a knowledgeable group of experts on these issues.
“It is very helpful that those who deliver education are fully engaged along with communities and parents to make sure we are getting it absolutely right for school pupils in rural areas.”
The other 13 members are:
• Stephen Hagan – Leader of Orkney Council
• Anne Robertson – Leader of Aberdeenshire Council
• Terry Loughran – Education Convener of Inverclyde Council
• Peter Mackenzie – Education Convener of East Lothian Council
• Malcolm Burr, Chief Executive of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, representing the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE)
• Glenn Rodger – Director of Education at Scottish Borders Council, representing the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES)
• Peter Ferguson – Headteacher at Auchterhouse Primary School in Angus
• Sandy Longmuir, Scottish Rural Schools Network
• Anne Baird, Argyll Rural Schools Network
• Professor Cara Aitchison, Head of Moray House School of Education
• Professor Bill Slee, James Hutton Institute,
• plus two members to be nominated – one from the third sector and one from a rural background.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
