Sligo school's appeal for extra teacher rejected

St Patrick's NS in Calry was informed that its appeal for an additional teacher for the upcoming school year was unsuccessful. The issue of oversubscription for September was raised at the Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District meeting. The school currently has 176 students and is described as very fast growing. Without an additional teacher, the school can accommodate only 28 new students next year, meaning many applicants may not be able to attend their preferred school. Over 45 students have applied for the upcoming year. A motion was tabled to seek an update from the Minister for Education, arguing that the classroom space already exists and that a common-sense approach is needed.

"St Patrick's NS in Calry has been informed it has been unsuccessful in its appeal for an additional teacher for the upcoming school year. The issue of schools being over subscribed for the new academic year in September was raised at the Sligo-Drumcliffe Municipal District meeting on Monday by Cllr Thomas Walsh who informed the meeting of the bad news for Calry NS."

"Cllr Walsh explained the issue arises as the school will only be able to accommodate 28 new students next year unless an additional teacher is provided meaning many will miss out on sending their child to their desired school. Highlighting the urgent need for a new teacher to be made available to the school Cllr Walsh said, "Over 45 students have applied for the upcoming school year. There should be a common sense approach . No increase in investment is needed for the school, the classroom is there. The school can cope with with taking additioal students with an extra teacher.""

"Cllr Walsh noted the school currently has 176 students, noting it is a "very fast growing school." Cllr Walsh noted there is precedent for such decisions being made adding, "There is a demand for this. We should be doing everything at national level to ensure this is dealt with." The motion was supported by Cllr Marie Casserly who remarked, "When the Minister was in Sligo I spoke to her secretary about it. The problem is the schools in the catchment area are also full. They have the space, all they need is the sanction for a new teacher.""

Read at Irish Independent