Liberal Democrat MSP for West of Scotland Ross Finnie is due to visit Arran today (Friday) regarding the possible closure of Corrie Primary School.
An NAC consultation document published last week outlines the case for and against the school’s closure, with one proposal being an amalgamation of Corrie and Brodick primary schools at Brodick. Parents of pupils at both schools and any other interested parties have until March 17 to make their written views known about the proposal to Carol Kirk, North Ayrshire Council corporate director educational services.
Mr Finnie told the Banner: ‘I have read the consultation document and sought clarification on some of the issues with Liberal Democrat councillors on North Ayrshire Council. However, before coming to a view on the matter I am visiting Arran regarding Corrie School on Friday.’
An NAC spokesman said: ‘The consultative document has been sent to all parents of pupils at these schools, staff members, the parents’ council, all local councillors and local police.’
Councillor Margie Currie said: ‘Responses must be received by March 17 after which if the education executive agree to uphold the recommendation all the consultation material will be submitted to Scottish ministers for their deliberation.’
The document gives NAC three options: retain both schools; amalgamate them into Brodick school building which would give a roll of 81 pupils and an occupancy level of ‘around 68 percent in 2008’ (this option would involve retaining Corrie nursery in the existing Corrie external building); Corrie school to be amalgamated with Brodick and the Corrie nursery children also to be sent to Brodick.
The proposed closure is a result of deliberations by an NAC review group considering surplus school places.
Councillor Currie said Ms Kirk and the review group have agreed to visit Corrie school whose pupil roll is said to have peaked at 25 pupils in 2000 and declined to 13 by last September. The document predicts that the number of pupils will be as low as five by 2012.
However, campaigners fighting to save the school say these figures are incorrect.
Any changes will take effect from August.
