But ‘independent’ council still pressing ahead with cuts
Darren Galpin, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) supporter on the Isle of Wight
Over 200 people gathered at a rally, organised by local union branches, to oppose the proposed closure of five primary schools. The Isle of Wight has an ‘independent’ minority-run council trying to close these schools. Thanks to the work of campaigners, closure plans for a sixth school, Godshill, have been shelved.
Campaign pressure impelled the local authority to hold an extraordinary meeting of the full council. Councillors present voted 12-11 against closure, with six abstentions. A separate vote on whether the council was following ‘process’ with the closures was narrowly carried 16-13.
But only the council cabinet makes the final decision. These votes were merely indicative.
The decisive council cabinet vote takes place on 6 March. So parents, staff, and supporters still have to apply further pressure.
The ‘independent’ council, supported by Greens, has already stated its long-term aim to close ten of the island’s 39 primary schools
Justification
Councils elsewhere are expected to follow suit, with a brutal closure programme of rural primary schools. The justification given is financial savings.
Schools receive central government funding on the basis of places filled. Due to falling birth rates, councils are having to subsidise rural schools from their own budgets.
Their answer is to make teaching staff redundant, and relocate children into larger class sizes. Socialists advocate a national campaign for increased funding from central government, so that we may preserve these valuable community assets.
