Small schools voice their anger as reality of Budget cuts hits home – Smith

Staff at small schools across the country are voicing their anger about the targeted cutbacks announced in the Budget that will lead to significantly larger classes at smaller schools. Fianna Fáil Education Spokesperson Brendan Smith has pledged his support for their efforts, describing the cuts announced in Budget 2012 as an attack on the most marginalised communities.

Deputy Smith said: “The Government has singled out smaller schools and disadvantaged schools for the bulk of the education cuts in Budget 2012.  The result is the schools that are already marginalised face losing a significant number of teachers from September on.  While people accept that the Government needs to make significant savings next year, they cannot understand why small rural communities and disadvantaged communities are being asked to bear a disproportionate burden.

“It is becoming quite clear that many small schools around the country will not put up with such unfair treatment. I stand by them in their campaign to keep class sizes at current levels – levels that have proved successful in significantly improving literacy and numeracy standards.

“Once again, I am urging Minister Quinn to think again before taking such a retrograde step. We have made great strides in this country at significantly improving the learning environment for our children in modern school facilities, and these cuts will almost certainly damage this progress.”

Staff at small schools across the country are voicing their anger about the targeted cutbacks announced in the Budget that will lead to significantly larger classes at smaller schools. Fianna Fáil Education Spokesperson Brendan Smith has pledged his support for their efforts, describing the cuts announced in Budget 2012 as an attack on the most marginalised communities.

Deputy Smith said: “The Government has singled out smaller schools and disadvantaged schools for the bulk of the education cuts in Budget 2012.  The result is the schools that are already marginalised face losing a significant number of teachers from September on.  While people accept that the Government needs to make significant savings next year, they cannot understand why small rural communities and disadvantaged communities are being asked to bear a disproportionate burden.

“It is becoming quite clear that many small schools around the country will not put up with such unfair treatment. I stand by them in their campaign to keep class sizes at current levels – levels that have proved successful in significantly improving literacy and numeracy standards.

“Once again, I am urging Minister Quinn to think again before taking such a retrograde step. We have made great strides in this country at significantly improving the learning environment for our children in modern school facilities, and these cuts will almost certainly damage this progress.”