This article is from page 17 of the 2012-07-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
CLARE Vocational Educational Committee (VEC) has expressed an interest in becoming patron of a school in Shannon. Shannon has been identified as one of 44 areas nationwide to be surveyed with a view to determining parental preferences regarding school patronage.
Chief Executive Officer George O’Callaghan told the July meeting of Clare VEC that the schools in Shannon to be divested have not been identified.
He said the VEC had previously expressed and interest in the patronage of two primary schools – Mol an Óige (Ennistymon) and Raheen Wood (Tuamgraney).
Committee member Flan Garvey proposed that Clare VEC apply to seek patronage, saying, “We are well capable of being patrons. It would be better than having an outsider coming in that does not have the same experience.” The proposal was seconded and formally adopted.
In response to a question from Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) on the potential for clashes between Boards of Management and parents over patronage, Mr O’Callaghan said the process “would probably be driven in the main by parental preference”.
He added that Boards of Management would also have a role.
Mr O’Callaghan told the meeting that the survey process would take up to 12 months and that any patronage application would be taken up by the new Local and Education Training Boards, that will replace VECs.
In June, Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn announced an action plan in response to the report of the Advisory Group to the forum on patronage and pluralism in the primary sector.
In a report to members of Clare VEC, Mr O’Callaghan, explained, “It is proposed that surveys will be conducted by the department during the autumn in 44 identified areas with a view to determining parental preferences regarding school patronage in those areas.”
Mr O’Callaghan said that the department is now inviting expressions of interest from bodies who are not already patrons of schools in the 44 areas. He told the meeting that the process is also open to individuals.
He continued, “It will be assumed that all existing school patrons in these areas will wish to continue in this role unless they specifically notify the department to the contrary.”
Expressions of interest should be with the Forward Planning Section on Friday, July 27.