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News - TRUSTING SCHOOL BOARDS AND TRUSTING PARENTS

The Labour/LibDem coalition at Holyrood is moving towards plans for the abolition of school boards in Scottish schools. This will have significant implications on the right to parental representation at schools in Edinburgh South.

Presently, under the framework of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988, parents and teachers work in partnership through school boards in shaping the management and ethos of local schools, for example in promoting good relationships between the school, parents and the local community, appointing senior staff (including head teachers), and approving school finances.

Under the Labour/LibDem coalition proposals, school boards will be replaced by “parent forums”. These are markedly different to the status quo since parents are no longer guaranteed to have proper representation on key issues such as the governance and administration of schools.

Gavin Brown commented: -

“It is vital for parents to be involved in the running of local schools. I agree with the Scottish School Board Association’s comment that being a school board member is to provide a valuable service to the school and the community at large. A healthy partnership between parents and teachers is there for the benefit of educating our young people. That’s why I believe that school boards have a vital role to play in the schools of Edinburgh South. I will maintain the pressure on the Executive to ensure the survival of the school boards.”