Glitch postpones Skerries school decision
A DECISION on the future of the secondary department of Skerries school will not now be made on Thursday.
On Monday some parents complained that their responses to the consultation appeared not to have been received by the council.
Shetland Islands Council launched an urgent investigation and decided on Wednesday afternoon to postpone a decision on the controversial closure.
A council statement said: “While it was not proved that the electronic system did not work, neither has it been proved to the satisfaction of the department that it did.
“Therefore to be absolutely safe, anyone who believes their response has not been considered as part of the consultation process should contact the director of children’s services, Helen Budge, on 01595 744064 or by e-mail Helen.budge@shetland.gov.uk as soon as possible, and in any case by 31 October.”
A decision on whether or not to close the Olnafirth primary school in Voe is unaffected by the move.
Chair of the education committee Vaila Wishart said: “Given these concerns, my intention is to consider the report on Olnafirth Primary School, and then make a ruling to adjourn the meeting at that point to allow for the situation to be resolved.
“I am disappointed that we are not going to be able to discuss Skerries tomorrow but see no alternative but to delay the process. I am particularly sorry for the ongoing uncertainty that this will cause for the Skerries community.”
Skerries parent Julie Arthur said allowing more time for parents to re-submit their contributions to the debate was the right decision.
She said “quite a few” islanders had reported problems with the online response system where the ‘send’ button would not press.
“Also, the response form could not be saved once it was filled in. It was only after the meetings we have held in Skerries that we became aware that it wasn’t just us experiencing this problem.
Help keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Good local journalism takes time, care and people on the ground. Membership helps us keep reporting the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read. Members get a weekly newsletter created especially for them, local ads only, and can bookmark stories and join the conversation in the comments.
Already a member? Sign in.
“I am glad that we now can put our responses in. It means that councillors can be a little bit more well informed, and gives everybody the opportunity to make sure their voice is heard, which is what the whole consultation is about.”
Please also read: Parents fighting for their schools
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.