Letters / Disproportionate cuts
I was somewhat dismayed when I discovered that Anderson High School is to have its operational budget slashed, shouldering some 71% of the cuts placed on Shetland schools from this particular allocation.
We live in a period of austerity and all services must bear a fair and proportionate share of unavoidable and necessary cost savings.
However AHS with 27% of the pupil population bearing 71% of total cuts seems to me neither fair nor proportionate.
Helen Budge and her officers are in an invidious position endeavoring tirelessly to adhere to SIC policy to find £3 million of savings from the education budget.
I am convinced that these savings can be found elsewhere and the education budget maintained. However with a school estate running at approximately 50% capacity I still advocate its rationalisation with the redirection of resources to ensure a positive, efficient, effective, sustainable and equitable educational experience for all Shetlands children.
I can almost hear the cries of “Toonie Vision” emanating from Nort, Sooth and Wast. I will endeavour to tolerate any such remonstration for three reasons.
Firstly AHS operates on behalf of every community in Shetland. Secondly, I do have an element of sympathy for the predicament of others in what is an emotive subject.
More so however because I regard not putting one’s head above the parapet as a dereliction of my duty as a parent.
It’s hard not to see this as an example of AHS bairns’ education being compromised in order to subsidise the luxury that is the excessive SIC schools estate.
I urge all involved in the local decision making process to consider a more equitable approach and rationalise the school estate accordingly.
John Fraser
Lerwick
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.
