Isle of Wight council officers have said staff cannot solve the issue of surplus school places and build a new children’s services department at the same time.
Headteachers and governors representative, Simon Richards, said it was disappointing the council could not tackle both things at once.
Richards: Cabinet has dragged their heels
At a meeting on Thursday, he accused leading council cabinet members of dragging their heels and said the issue of surplus places was first raised over a year ago.
Mr Richards said inaction meant education was suffering.
The Isle of Wight council has been in partnership with Hampshire County Council for a decade but that will end on 31st January and the Island’s authority will go it alone.
Peacey-Wilcox: This is not an easy course to take
Outgoing leader, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox said,
“We need to look at ways to effectively manage the empty spaces issue. Inevitably, this will involve the closure of some schools.
“This is not an easy course to take. In particular, it relies on information, understanding, consideration and if necessary, acceptance that there is no other alternative.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
