Parents raise concerns over school merger

Jenness Mitchell • Published 16 Feb 2011 09:30 3 Comments

THE public consultation into the proposed merger of St John's and Claremont primary schools is underway – and this time it appears to be better organised.

Last year, a previous consultation was deemed to have failed to meet legal requirements.

But Anthony Cassidy, secretary and former chairman of St John's Parent Council, said this time round the council seems to be better prepared.

Following a public meeting held last week in Alloa Town Hall, Mr Cassidy told the Advertiser, "The council were a lot more organised this time round.

"They have the preferred option of merging largely due to finances.

"While our concerns haven't changed over the site and size of the school, we do appreciate that a new build is a fantastic opportunity for pupils."

The public meeting was an opportunity for parents and members of the community to discuss the proposals for the future of St John's and Claremont, and to raise any issue with council officials.

The council has put forward four options – to refurbish St John's Primary School on its existing site; build a new school for St John's on a different site; to refurbish and extend Claremont Primary School to accommodate all of St John's pupils; or build a new school for pupils of both establishments on a new site.

If any of the first two options go ahead, Claremont Primary School would continue to be maintained as part of the council's ongoing asset management programme.

The council's favoured option is a new building on a new site to accommodate pupils from both schools.

Several concerns, though, have been raised.

On the council's favoured option of a new school at Redwell playing fields, Claremont parents were worried about their children having to cross the busy A907 Stirling road and the proximity of the rail line.

The size of the combined school, which at 473 pupils would be the biggest primary in the county, was another concern, with St John's parents seeking assurances it would not affect the children's school experience and performance.

Staff have also raised concerns over job cuts. At the moment there are two headteachers, two janitors and two sets of kitchen staff. If merging into one school, there will be no need for both.

A council spokesperson said, "The consultation was to show options chosen most possible to put in place by the council and also an opportunity for members of the public to suggest other ideas.

"Once the follow-up parent council meeting is held on 22 February we will collate the final results."

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 16 Feb 11

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• 

  Telly
  Unregistered User
  Feb 17, 22:17
  Report comment

  The councils already made there mind up on this one..It will go ahead GUARANTEED..This will be announced when its a good time to say so..After the local elections. Guranteed..Claremont school land will be sold off along with the Academy grounds..Dont be fooled into thinking otherwise, Once the follow-up parent council meeting is held indeed. Renovate both Schools which will be half the cost of new build,and not forgetting the schools are already in places where traffic is pretty quiet.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 0

• 

  with held
  Unregistered User
  Sep 14, 21:34
  Report comment

  This is an absolute disgrace. I have never witnessed anyone in favour of this scheme at any of the public meetings. Councillors are voted in by the community and should represent their views.
  
  The council have still not adequatelty answered concerns regarding the proximity to the rail line. The thought of a derailment next to the school is horrific.
  
  The PTAs of both schools obected to the proposal and provided evidence that a new 'super school' is not in the interest of the children or community. This has been ignored.
  
  The Redwell field is flodded for the best part of the year. This means that the site will require a pumping station to operate almost continually. The estimated cost of this is said to be 50 K per year. Where does this feature in the council's calculations.
  
  If a merged school is the way forward the only site is the existing Claremont site. The kids will get a panoramic view of the Forth Valley and clean air as opposed to the noise, vibration, dust and fumes at the Redwell site. Surely this is important.
  
  The current council are arrogant and not operating in the interest of the community (Categorically no nightshift coal trains!!!!). The latest debacle with regards to parking charges being further proof.
  
  They should go now.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 0

• 

  steviej58
  1 post
  Nov 10, 09:05
  Report comment

  In my experience the traffic around Claremont is far more dangerous. Every morning you see idiotic drivers racing down Redwell Terrace being late for work or dropping kids off at school. The merged option makes more sense to me in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. The new facilities will inspire learning and education. It is not the Council's role to preserve jobs.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 1     No 0

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