From Friday, January 18 islanders have nine weeks to make their views known about the proposed closure of Corrie Primary School.
The full consultation period begins then and ends on Monday 17 March, says North Ayrshire Council leader David O’ Neill.
He is urging people with an interest in education to make full use of the process.
Corrie Primary School is on a list of four NAC-run schools earmarked for closure by its schools review working group. The other three are on the mainland.
A campaign is already under way on the island to save the school from closure.
Many feel the end of the school, which also has a nursery, will adversely affect the life and community of the Corrie area.
Under the proposals Corrie schoolchildren could be sent to Brodick Primary School five miles away.
Councillor O’ Neill was responding to a statement by MSP Kenneth Gibson (SNP) for Arran, who said that by January 18 all parents will have received an individual copy of the consultation document.
He refuted the MSP’s accusation that Carol Kirk, NAC’s Corporate Director of Educational Services, wanted the matter resolved in time to prepare the 2008/2009 budget, allowing only 31 days for consultation.
He said: ‘I am very surprised that Kenneth Gibson is attacking the findings of the school review working group as it was a cross-party group and includes SNP members.
‘For the record, the period of consultation will commence on 18 January and close on 17 March, twice as long as the required statutory period.
‘The reason for wanting the matter resolved is not for budget reasons – it is to allow the time for consideration of placement requests in time for the start of the academic year.’
Kenneth Gibson added: ‘There is the possibility that the closure of the nursery will be considered separately.
‘I pointed out to Ms Kirk that the life and future of Corrie village itself as a flourishing community is at stake.
‘Of course, this is not her remit. Nevertheless, I would expect our councillors to have a three-dimensional approach and take everything into account when deciding the future of Corrie Primary School and Corrie Nursery School, a decision, I believe, which must be to retain the school for the good of the children, Corrie and Arran itself.’
Ms Kirk was given the opportunity to respond by the Banner. NAC responded with the statement from Councillor O’ Neill.
