Schools survey reveals how we'll pay for education cuts
- Published: 04 December 2008
Source : Corkman.ie
By MARIA HERLIHYThursday December 04 2008
MORE than 26 secondary teachers will get the chop from 15 schools in Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe's Cork North West Constituency — according to a new survey that also shows how the recent budget on education will impact on parents pockets to the tune of €300 per student.
The survey which was conducted by the Cork County Committee of the Post Primary Education Forum, which represents the National Parent Council, school management bodies and teacher trade unions.
The survey took in 15 secondary schools in the Cork North West, which had an enrolment of 5,706 students. From the figures furnished it concluded that over 26 teachers would lose their jobs as a direct result of the recent Budget's decision to increase class sizes. Another finding concluded that the €137,000 grant aid would be withdrawn.
The survey also outlined how school subjects were also at risk - 13 schools said subjects would be lost to students. Physics classes are now at risk in four schools, chemistry classes in two schools and music in one school — accounting, science and RE would also take a hit.
Transition Year is at risk in six of the 15 schools, with the Applied Leaving Cert at risk in one.
Ten of the schools reported 'no capacity to facilitate games' with the other five reporting 'very limited capacity'. And schools reported similar capacities for field trips and co-curricular activities.
"We think we will lose our home school liaison teacher," said Seamus Buckley, principal of Colaiste Treasa in Kanturk, which has 40 teachers and 422 students on its rollbook. "The budget put severe cuts on schools and it will have an impact on all schools. It won't be until September before we fully see and feel the full impact of this."
In nearby Boherbue Comprehensive School, which has 38 staff and 317 on its rollbook, vice principal Jim Fitzgerald shared the same view as Mr Buckley.
"We will definitely lose our home school liaison teacher, and that is a great loss," said Mr Fitzgerald. The abolition of the book grant scheme and a hike in the transport fee from €168 to €300 will also leave a ripple effect at the school."
- MARIA HERLIHY
