One pupil too few at Coolgreany NS
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COOLGREANY National School finds itself in the difficult position that having just one pupil below the new teacher-pupil ratio requirement could mean the loss of a teacher next September.
The previous requirement for retaining its current level of teachers was 81 pupils. The new requirement is 83, but this year, Coolgreany NS has 82 pupils on its books. Regardless of how many students are enrolled next year, this year's figure could mean the loss of a teacher.
'We were one student above last year's level,' said principal Matthew Meleady. 'However, with the new rules, we fall short by one student, and we'll lose a staff member.'
The school currently has a principal, three mainstream teachers, and one combined learning support teacher and resource teacher. The changes would mean they would have to merge three class groupings together, as opposed to a more manageable two groupings.
Teachers would have to deliver three separate curricular areas in each classroom. 'This will obviously adversely affect the teaching and learning in the mainstream classes,' he said. 'The school community is angry about this, and they have initiated a letter writing campaign and petition with a view to showing the politicians that a mistake was made. The cuts make no sense at any level.'
'It's unfair on the children who need learning support,' he added. 'Learning support hours have already been cut by ten per cent.'
It is envisaged that the school population could increase by 15 this September, which may give the school a case if it goes to appeal, but the school is anxious to avoid problems before the arise. ' The effects of the Budget are too great,' said Matthew. 'There's a huge negative effect of being short just one student. It's worth keeping the extra teacher to avoid problems that would arise.'
'I think our politicians do understand the effect on the community,' he added. 'I think they will campaign for us. Brendan Howlin has promised to visit.'
