This article is from page 18 of the 2012-09-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
FOUR groups have so far expressed an interest in taking over patronage of a primary school in Shannon.
Shannon has been identified by the Department of Education and Skills as one of 44 areas nationwide to be surveyed with a view to determining parental preferences regarding school patronage in those areas.
It is proposed that surveys will be conducted in by the Department during the autumn in 44 identified areas to determine parental preferences regarding school patronage.
Clare VEC has already expressed an interest in assuming patronage. Three other groups – Educate Together, An Foras Pátrúnachta and The Redeemed Christian Chruch of God – are interested in becoming school patrons in Shannon.
CEO George O’Callaghan said, “Shannon is designated as one of the areas, which primary school we do not know. That has not yet been identified.”
The issue of school patronage was raised at the September meeting of Clare VEC.
Mr O’Callaghan told the meeting that the Department would run a number of public advertisements prior to the start of the survey process. He explained that the surveys would also be conducted online.
In June, Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi 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.
The survey process is expected to take up to 12 months and any patron age application would be taken up by the new Local and Education Training Boards, that will replace VECs.