ANGRY representatives of local schools have called an emergency meeting to discuss ‘stealth’ measures which will cut teachers in 22 schools in disadvantaged areas.
Some city schools will lose as many as four teachers. Budget small print means schools will lose substantial amounts of funding, as well as mainstream teachers and English-language teachers who help children of foreign nationals.
The INTO and the school principals called the meeting on this Thursday and after it emerged that schools designated as disadvantaged are to be hit.
“It is absolutely dreadful what they are doing. This is going to reduce teaching to crowd control,” Susan Frawley, principal of St Michael’s Infant School in Sexton Street, said.
“These children need extra help. We have to start with building basic self esteem that other children bring to school with them. We’re trying to break the cycle of disadvantage and the only way to do that is through education”.
The minister is changing regulations on class sizes in disadvantaged schools, which will mean fewer teachers. Those appointed to teach English as an extra language will also go.
“Schools teaching childrenstruggling with a background of disadvantage will lose any progress that’s been made,” said Limerick INTO rep Joe Lyons.
There is concern about the plight children who don’t speak English.
Yet another blow to the number of teaching posts available, is the decision to increase pupil-teacher ratios in smaller schools with up to four teachers.
An equally serious issue for schools all over the city and county is the news that capitation grants are to be cut. Bill Reidy, principal of JFK Memorial School on the Ennis Road, is concerned how they will be able to afford to run it.
“The capitation grant is being cut by 10 per cent over the next four years. It’s inadequate as it is”.
With 240 boys, the school won’t lose any teachers under the new regulations but the grant “won’t even go half way towards lighting, heating, cleaning and all the other expenses.
“Schools made up the shortfall by fundraising but that’s just not an option now”.
