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Catalyst for my letter
Together with many other concerned Island residents and in particular those of us living in Cowes, I attended the public meeting at Cowes Enterprise College last Monday evening.
This is a problem which for over two years I have attempted to help resolve.
It seemed to me last Monday that little had changed with regard to the school, indeed I fear matters may actually have become worse.
Background
I lost the election in 2013, but remained and remain a strong supporter of the Independents in County Hall and through the Association of Island Independents of which I was a member.
I resigned from this Association when the selection panel for the PPC was chosen having voted against their candidate. I hold no political office at present.
Statements and Call for Action
1. The PFI Project
This shows little sign to date of living up to the hype.
I realise it is a long term plan but there appears to be countless (very inconvenient, anti-tourist) work with modest benefits.
2. BT Broadband
Again difficult to spot the much vaulted, predicted advantages.
3. Waste Management
An enormous challenge for the Island both in terms of cost and organization but not much information to be seen to date.
4. Cowes Enterprise College
Difficult to know where to begin with this one.
- Brian Pope from Hampshire Education is quoted as saying “It’s the teaching stupid”, paraphrasing George Bush, I believe. All involved appear to be so concerned with the building they have lost sight of what is really important, the teaching and support staff. From personal experience, I know even if the building is incomplete, if the teaching is excellent and passionate as it is and has been at CEC, the results will reflect this. More support and motivation together with a long term plan arrived at in consultation with parents, students, all staff and other involved parties for the building and staff would go a long way to help.
- Cllr Priest means well and has done a lot of good work, but last Monday he turned the meeting into a campaign. Not helpful, in fact a waste of time, energy and money. (btw Cllr Priest – Hampshire do have to be there. The school is in Special Measures; their involvement is not by choice. Good that you consider them and they are such excellent colleagues but they are there because it is required by law)
- Whilst I do not know the Principal, I believe when she realised she was pregnant she should have done the decent thing and stood down to perhaps come back when she and the school were in a more settled state. To take on a school in special measures is a huge challenge to even the best Head, but to attempt to take on one which is not only failing in an educational capacity, but also structurally, requires 100% commitment.
- The CEC governors are, for the most part, well meaning volunteers. However, recent legal changes mean this is no longer good enough and they must be active and accountable. (I am proud to have been a Governor of St George’s Special School for almost two years now.) The chair of Governors, Rachael Fidler, with whom I have had much discussion over previous months and years in connection with what I believe to be her shortcomings, should also stand down. I believe Ms Fidler was instrumental in the loss of David Goodhead, the appointment of Jonathon Russell and now Ms Pearce. This along with other poor decision making, including in connection with the new build makes her position untenable. Other governors should also consider their positions, especially those who had the opportunity to help in the past and sat on the fence.
- During a meeting I requested with the CEC Governing body which took place 15 months ago, Andrew Turner MP sent his PA and partner to attend and take notes. Mr Turner’s partner offered his support in all things CEC. I believe this was again political posturing and have seen little evidence of his help to date.
- We need a Public Inquiry or the situation will never be resolved.
5. Medina College
Another issue I have been trying to help resolve for a couple of years. Every June students of the College sitting exams have to fight through the Festival traffic and have the added stress of the worry of being late and/or the noise and confusion of having your exam in the middle of a Music Festival.
It is not a level playing field for the students. There is no reason for the Festival to take place outside of exam time.
I have repeatedly asked both the school and the IW Council to seek to change the dates. Each blames the other, and they both blame John Giddings, with no one taking responsibility.
6. Other issues
Navitus Bay, Wind Farms, Pollution, Child Protection, Adult Social Care, Falling school numbers, lack of infrastructure in line with new housing, inability to recruit amongst others good teaching staff, Assisted Area Status, decent salaries – some of the many issues I would like to hear considered opinions or at least a dialogue from the Parish, Town and County Councils.
Thank you for reading.
