Boot out the board....

This comment was sent by a reader...

The letter detailing the 'disadvantages' of holding an election for the School Board makes interesting reading....if you support lawbreaking and dictatorship that is.

One disadvantage is that for the Academy Board to continue would mean that they are breaking the law.
I’m not sure that they are setting a very good example to pupils?

Costly? The PPP team have been posting out regular newsletters, four pages and in colour. The council has found the money for this so why not for giving parents a lawful and democratic say in the running of their school. After all they pay for the school through their taxes.

If not them – who? Sandy McGarvey? John Morrison? Margaret McNaughton?

Could take up to 12 weeks to complete? This is only a problem because the Board are doing this now rather than 12 weeks ago.

Places an administrative burden on the school? Well sorry I don't think that ‘it’s too much hassle to hold an election’ is a good reason not to hold an election. Updating the electoral register...shouldn't that be a pre-requisite for the school to know who the pupils’ parents are?

Postage costs? Well the interim Board saved a lot of money by not canvassing parents’ opinions in the lead up to the decision where the school should be built, so the school really owes them one. And was the school not being given extra resources because of the amalgamation...I seem to remember Sandy McGarvey saying that, wish I had got that in writing I suppose.

Finally and I quote...'Research shows parental involvement is not encouraged by elections’. This is being said by the people who presumably put themselves forward for election to get on the High School and Thomas Muir Boards. With low turnouts at election time not even Tony Blair would give that as a reason for stopping holding elections….maybe Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe should be looking to the Academy Board for some fresh ideas!

(You might have noticed that there is nowhere on the ballot paper for the voter to put their name to ensure that only parents with children at the school vote and that those who vote do so only once. This brings to mind the old saying about elections in Northern Ireland, ‘vote early and vote often’. Not that I’d condone parents photocopying the ballot papers and handing in lots of votes for their chosen option during the Christmas holidays.)

And what about the ‘Advantages’ of just keeping things the same until next year? It would minimise disruption to the education and welfare of pupils. How can this possibly be true? The election process does not involve pupils. Communication is via the post and how can an election affect pupils Health and Happiness? No the real advantage of this option is that it allows for continuity. But how much of an advantage this is, is open to question.

The current Board have never communicated with parents at any point in the amalgamation process.
They have never sought the views of parents regarding their preference for where the school should be built and now that the PPP team is turning them over they suddenly come running to the parents looking for help.

They deserve to be booted out. At Tuesday’s meeting, assuming enough people turn up, given the short notice and the enticement of hearing about ‘minor’ problems with the school design, parents need to stand up and be counted. We have the prospect of a great new school (albeit one where children will be in danger of being run over leaving school at 3.30 pm)…now we need a Board that can match the aspirations of the school…something the current Board are clearly unable to do.

Strong stuff

thanks for your opinion

How many letters?

Did you get one letter or two from the Interim School Board?

I only got one, the one without the contact details and election slip!

I know two were sent out as this site has received copies of both letters.

Saying no more....

Letter from Ken Low acting chair of Academy School Board?

I have taken the liberty of letting you know what happened at the Bishopbriggs Academy Board meeting on Tuesday night re the PPP planning application.

Basically we said to Sandy McGarvey:

There was no transport statement - how could we assess traffic impacts etc. without it?

The sports full-size pitch provision for
Douglas (roll of 1,021) is 4
Bearsden (1,174) is 3
Kirkintilloch (652) is 3
Bishopbriggs (1,146) is 2

- absolutely not was our core message over this;

It also turns out one of the documents supporting pitch provision is for the first proposal of basing the school at BBHS site and selling off TMHS site completely - not even planning had picked this up;

Education (through John Simmons) insist that the PE curriculum can be delivered - our SMT say that delivery will be extremely tight and almost impossible if we lost the use of the shared area with Woodhill Primary

We want them to investigate the land opposite us to see if we can purchase/lease a strip to put a new pitch on it

We also want to move the all weather pitch up to allow us to slightly lengthen the existing natural turf pitch and to move the athletics facilities onto the grass nearer Torr Road - at the moment the long-jump is on asphalt - surely this cannot be safe (in Douglas and Bearsden the long jump is surrounded by grass)

Overall car parking spaces etc. Bishopbriggs Academy is being short-changed e.g. the Games Hall is 594m2 (33m x 18m) whereas in Douglas it is 628m2 (34 x 18.5m) - I am not too fussed about a metre either side but when the Bishopbriggs High School Games Hall was built it was either (1.4m or 4m) short with the result non of the indoor pitches met the required standards for competition so EDC spent £1 million on a hall that could not take national competitions in football, badminton etc. What a waste and I don't want that repeated again

Many of the facilities are close to the minimum standard required and the SportScotland representative stated that they would challenge councils to provide better facilities - we did however accept that the quality of the facilities were better

Sandy has been tasked with maximising the facilities but also to maximise land receipts re Council meeting of June 2006 (well if two pitches can deliver the PE curriculum then he simply is failing in his second objective with regard to Douglas, Bearsden and Kirkintilloch - he should reduce them to two large pitches and increase the land receipts on these sites but he has not done that) - we as a Board don't want that to happen to any of these sites - we should maximise the facilities on all sites and we realise that both Douglas and Bearsden have already had a net loss of one pitch due to housing development however I don't think Sandy sees us as only having two pitches as a problem and

Fnally to fundamentally disagree that any of the land at the TMHS site was surplus (we are losing a 37m x 18m small rugby pitch (7-a-side pitch) and two Multi Use Games Areas although the shared arrangement would give us back the small pitch on a shared basis).

The meeting went on from 6.30 pm for Board members only and from 7 pm for invited participant and did not close until 10.30 pm

It was at times heated but we hope we presented a balanced but forceful case.

The next steps are to:

Prepare a response to Sandy McGarvey

Meet with associated primary school board chairs (or their whole boards and PTAs if they want)

Meet with Bishopbriggs parents on the 12th December at 7 pm in Bishopbriggs Academy

Start drafting our representation to the planning department with respect to
a) the school and
b) the surplus land outline application for housing

To prepare a media campaign to keep this in the public eye over the festive season right up to the planning application hearing and to meet with councillors over this to give them our views directly.

I am supplying this information to keep primary school board chairs appraised of what is happening and to the PPP reps of Douglas, Bearsden and Kirkintilloch secondaries as we had compared Bishopbriggs Academy to these school in our presentation.

We already appreciate the help we have had from other secondary PPP reps.

We fully support all of these schools in their efforts to get better facilities for their kids in their areas - we just want to be treated equitably by EDC in terms of sports provision.

I am grateful to Susan Murray for her attendance and input - at times what she said was very telling and was not lost on Sandy McGarvey.

I would also say that we would welcome your support if possible and we will be happy to answer any queries or questions by e-mail or phone.

Thanks.

Ken Low Acting Chair Bishopbriggs Academy School Board

I have written to Ken asking who the new Academy board members are and when they were elected. The Interim School Board has, since August, time to arrange elections.

Did anyone get an information on the Bishopbriggs Academy School Board elections?

Here is how a School Board should be elected School Board Act

I spoke to the Scottish Executive this afternoon, Ken has NO right to call himself acting chair of the Bishopbriggs Academy Board.

Good to see that Ken visited the site on the 8th of December at 4.05 pm.

The power of the Internet....

Interim School Board meeting...

There's another meeting of the Interim School Board tomorrow night (5th December) when I understand a letter to parents regarding the new Parents Councils will be discussed.

If that's true then we have progress. The letter to the council, that was used by them to indicate support for their decision - before it was made, was never shown to the board before it was sent.

FROM SEPTEMBER 12th, 2006 'ALL' PARENTS, WITH A CHILD AT THE SCHOOL, HAVE BEEN MEMBERS OF THE PARENTS FORUM FOR BISHOPBRIGGS ACADEMY.

The Interim School Board should have been replaced in August under the current School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988 when a new board for the Academy should have been elected.

This information is from the Scottish Executive in a letter sent to me last week.

Academy web site

As I mentioned in my post in August, Bishopbriggs academy has a new web site.

I know it's not listed on the council web site under secondary schools but it does exist...

And it lives here.

It's being updated as you will find views of the new school here

Pictures of the huts on the High School site here.

And all about the school board and minutes of the meetings here except it's blank!

As is the contact information - the site is run by an English company e4schools in Peterborough.

Be aware that the council privacy statement includes

Information Automatically Logged

We may use your IP address to gather broad demographic information

Still waiting...

From 12th September it has been the duty of East Dunbartonshire Education authority to promote the setting up of Parent Councils, all education authorities must provide parents with the opportunity to discuss and decide on arrangement for their school.

This new legislation places the arrangements for parent representation in the hands of parents, as members of the Parent Forum.

From 12th September, ALL parents with a child at a local authority school AUTOMATICALLY became a member of the Parent Forum for their school.

Have the Education authority informed you of this situation?

HMI report on Bishopbriggs High

On 21st of November the HMI published their 'follow up' report on Bishopbriggs High.

This report is available here
Download Follow Up Report Published 21/11/2006

Including under section 3.6 this sentence...

However, several parents and staff felt that they had received too little information about the amalgamation of
the two schools and proposals for the new building.

Thomas Muir High has not been reported on since 1998.

New school plans cause concern

CONCERNS over plans for two new high schools in Bishopbriggs have been raised with the council.

More here Bishopbriggs Herald

Let's hope someone listens

See attached comment...

With the casting vote at the meeting the Liberal Democrats could pass any decision.

Meanwhile we have the pupils from a Kirkintilloch school being educated at Thomas Muir while Bishopbriggs pupils are being educated in 'huts' for up to two years!

View the plans here

You will have to download the pdf documents

HMI report - East Dunbartonshire - poor

I see the HMI report on the performance of local education authorities leaves ED next to the Borders in terms of poor performance- 2nd bottom, with NOTHING rated as good or very good!

The full report of the HMI is at
download pdf file

Page 37 (of 39) has the graph showing how poor ED has been. You are best to rotate this page to see it more clearly

Scottish Executive reply on School board

Have had a reply from the Scottish Executive on the position of the school board.

Interesting - Let's see what the council do about it.

I'm not giving too much away just yet....

What's happening with the Interim School Board?

We're now approaching December and the Interim School Board is still in place.

I understand the Scottish Executive have made a ruling - parent have to be told (it's the law).

When was this decision made and why are parents still in the dark?

Watch this space for more amazing revelations on the operation of the school boards associated with Bishopbriggs Secondary Schools.

Fair deal for Bishopbriggs?

The site that was not suitable for a school?


At the end of this term St Ninian's will close it doors and move to the old Thomas Muir School while their new school is built on their existing site.

Points to note...

St Ninian's was NOT included in the original council schools PPP plan.
The developers WANTED to build the new St Ninian's on an alternative site.
East Dunbartonshire council REJECTED this proposal and voted to keep it on its original site.
To accomplish this the council HAD to move the pupils to Thomas Muir - the original plan was to move the Academy pupils here while the Academy was built on the High School site.

Did Bishopbriggs get a fair deal?

The decision to decant the pupils from Thomas Muir to Bishopbriggs High was made BEFORE the July council PPP meeting.

Decants are part of the PPP contract and are paid for by the DEVELOPERS they would have to have agreed BEFORE knowing the council decision.

Was the decision on the fate of Bishopbriggs Academy made before the meeting?

St Ninian's were rewarded with a new school, a school NOT in the original plans. Built on their chosen site the developers alternative was rejected, unlike in Bishopbriggs. A full decant to a Bishopbriggs School, previously scheduled to be used by the amalgamated Thomas Muir and Bishopbriggs High pupils had to be agreed.


The public consultation decided the new Bishopbriggs Academy should be built on the High School site - this was rejected by the council using the Liberal Democrat Provost's casting vote.

Did Bishopbriggs get a fair deal.

As this article in the Kirkintilloch Herald says...

Thanks to determined efforts from the school board and staff, it was included in the revised plans.

Did Bishopbriggs get a fair deal?

PPP to generate "substantial value" for amec

Some information from amec web site...

In addition to its equity investment of around £3.5 million, AMEC will benefit from contracts to design and construct the schools, redevelop surplus land on five sites and provide estate management services over the concession period, with a total value over £125 million. Financial close is targeted for December 2006, with construction beginning immediately thereafter and full completion scheduled for mid-2009.

More from inspirED partner amec

The group, InspirED, is comprised of amec, John Laing and Innisfree. Amec plans to invest £3.5 million of equity into the £125 million scheme.

"This is another important step forward in our strategy of carefully selected investment in complex PPP schemes," said Sir Peter Mason, Chief Executive of amec.

He also cited PPPs as a means of generating "substantial value in the future".

More 'surplus' land to be sold at Turnbull site

Two applications have been made to use 'Surplus Land' - developers description.

An application has been made (TP/ED/06/1209) to use 'surplus' land at Turnbull High School site for 'residential development in outline'

Ward - 19 Kenmure and Baldernock

Previously it was believed the land used for Turnbull School was part of 'green belt' land and permission was given, only for education.

An application has been made (TP/ED/06/1212) to use 'surplus' land at Thomas Muir High School site for 'residential development in outline'. This is the site of the new Bishopbriggs Academy.

Just remember that that Bishopbriggs will now hold 1200 pupils - larger than any school previously in Bishopbriggs.
Yet, the council and developers are building this 'super school' on a SMALLER plot of land than the existing Thomas Muir school that accommodated only 655 pupils in 2001 (Bishopbriggs High - 1036 pupils).

Ward - 24 Woodhill East

Maybe the house will be complete before the school?

It would appear that new schools can now be built on smaller plots of land.

Thomas Muir High School site - Surplus land being sold off
Bishopbriggs High School site - Entire site to be sold off?
Turnbull High School site - Surplus land being sold off

I wonder how much inspirED will make from the sale of this land?

The plans for the new school have also been lodged (TP/ED/06/1224) interested parties should view them at the council offices.

Why is this land not being used for council housing if the council own it?

For information the Bishopbriggs Academy plans reference is (TP/ED/06/1199)

Check the teacher rating at Bishopbriggs Academy...

Rate my teacher web site

Please note they have both a 'Student' and "Parent' option

Visit the site here

Another educational advantage?

After the front page story in the local press about traffic management at the new Bishopbriggs Academy.

The Council may decide that the reduced bin collection - refuse trucks will only call 'once a fortnight' at the new school, could this be called an 'Educational Advantage"?

Scottish education update

Half of Scotland's 16-year-olds are paid to stay at school - Not mine!

Nearly half of all 16-year-olds in Scotland are now being paid to stay on at school in a scheme which last year cost the taxpayer £30m.

The hand-outs are part of a ministerial plan supposed to help youngsters being forced to leave education early because of the need to earn money.

More from The Herald

Scottish Education Minister, Peter Peacock resigns

Just a few months before next May's Holyrood election, Peter Peacock announced his resignation as Education Minister "with immediate effect".

More from The Herald

Scottish Executive have ruled on Interim School Board

John Simmons (head of education) has written to tell me the Scottish Executive have decided on the fate of the Interim School Board.

He didn't explain what their decision was but that parents would be informed by letter.

I look forward to his letter...

Meanwhile the number of visitors to the site continues to climb - up again this week.

Please send me any comments or update - you can remain anonymous if you use the comments link at the end of each post.

Thanks again for your support - I will continue to stand up for the pupils and parents of Bishopbriggs

Lib Dems voted for cheaper schools option

John Morrison - Liberal Democrat Council Leader has admitted his party opted for the cheaper option in the PPP new schools project.

This option included moving the site of Bishopbriggs Academy (against the decision of public consolation) from the preferred site of Bishopbriggs High School to the Thomas Muir site.

The council said at the time this option provided a better school on education grounds, their reasons can be found here.

If the council want to save money, I think, our children's education is the last place they should be looking for savings.

Access the school plans on the Internet

View the Planning documents relating to the new Bishopbriggs Academy here...

Use this link then select 'Applications of Particular Interest' (at the bottom) - Again the bottom link - 'TP/ED/1199 - Bishopbriggs Academy (Thomas Muir Site)' to see the plans.

You may want to check the 'Good Neighbour Agreement'

You cannot link directly to this page!

If after reviewing the above documents, you require help or want to object. (Since the Council advert in the Herald did NOT include any address for objection)

Contact :

Planning, Development & Property Assets
The Triangle
Kirkintilloch Road
Bishopbriggs
G64 2TR

Tel: 0141 578 8600

E-mail: Partnership and Planning

You can use this link to the Woodhill Residents site - where you will find a link to their 'draft letter of objection'.

Marks & Spencer looking for sites

Marks & Spencer will open at least five new Scottish stores.

They said:

"We are actively seeking sites in Scotland"

The company has also bought more Somerfields stores.

Interim School Board should be replaced

Under the 'School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988', there should have been elections for the new school board as soon as the Academy was established.

Section 1 - (5) A School Board shall cease to exist when the school for which they are established is discontinued.

Section 2 - (9) In relation to schools (including combined schools) which come into existence after the commencement of section 1 of this Act, the first elections under this Act shall (subject to section 20) be held as soon as is practicable after pupils first attend the school.

Section 7 - (4) An Interim Board shall cease to exist when a School Board have been established for the combined school.

I am aware that 'The Parental Involvement Act' became law on 12th September 2006 and there is a transition period.

Currently, the make-up of the Interim board is not allowed under the 'School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988' as it has too many members per pupil count.

Also the Act states - it is the duty of the board to...

...ascertain the views of parents on matters which are the responsibility of the Board.

This did not happen - when the Council planned to vote on moving the Academy site away from that chosen by public consultation parents were not consulted.

The current Interim board joint chairs wrote a letter, that other board members and parents did not see, that the Council later quoted in a press release to support their decision to build the school on the Thomas Muir site (against public consultation). The letter had been written before that vote and, to this day, I cannot understand how you can agree with a decision before it was made (behind closed doors).

It is my view that the current board are not working within the Act and should be replaced.

The School Board Act (Scotland) 1988

The Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 this is a pdf download

Public see new school presentation

Busy evening at the unveiling of the Bishopbriggs Academy plans, to the public, last night at the former High school.

I felt sorry for the architects, they were shocked at the response of visitors, not to the school design, but the Council decision to move its location, against public consultation. The inspirED staff, I spoke to, had yet to meet anyone who agreed with the Council decision (apart from the council employees).

Safety

On a safety question, why are goods vehicle using the main entrance to the school when the 'goods in' access is only meters from the road at the side of the school? I was told that no vehicle entrance could be made here because Caledonian Estates own the strip of land between the school and the road.
Why was money not made available to purchase this land to create a safe entrance for goods?

Design

I pointed out that the first design for a school at Thomas Muir was almost identical to the design for the High school, that was rejected. The architects then provided at least two more designs for Thomas Muir. Why were the architects asked to re-designed for the Thomas Muir site - were they asked to re-design for the High school site? Apparently the Council view was they couldn't re-design on the High school site due to site restrictions - why? The same design, rejected at both the High school and Thomas Muir sites, is being built on the St Ninians site! The architects, like myself, were happy with the design at the High school. For anyone who didn't see it, the design was a fantastic modern school (sadly rejected) but you'll see a similar school being built at St Ninians.

Bishopbriggs will now have a design that, due to site restrictions (architects statement) will be built on land the public decided against. Look back over this site and decide if Bishopbriggs received the best possible outcome.

Last night was the first chance I had to see the schools' new crest - what did you think?

Council CANNOT grant planning permission for new schools

East Dunbartonshire Council cannot grant itself planning permission for the new schools. They have to apply to the Scottish Executive.

If you have any objections, make sure the Scottish Executive are aware of them.

I'm still waiting to find out from the Head of Education the result of his 'legal' enquires if the Interim school board is legal.

As of 12th September the 'Parental Involvement' act has been law and both schools are now one.

Woodhill residents reaction to planning application

Academy design on public display

Try and make it along to the old Bishopbriggs High school site on Monday 6th November between 4.30pm to 8.30pm.

On display in the assembly hall will be the designs for the new Bishopbriggs Academy to be built on the 'cropped' Thomas Muir school site.

This will be the first chance that parents, pupils and staff will have the chance to view the plans and watch a presentation on the new school building.

You may get a chance to meet your interim school board, councillors, MPs and MSPs who have all been invited.

In attendance will be the PPP team, the schools senior management team and the education directorate.

Go along and ask some questions....

Better = Smaller?

It would appear that the solution, on better 'educational' grounds, that the developers used to persuade the council that they could built a 'better' school at Thomas Muir involved the advantage of the Thomas Muir site being larger than the High school site.

They're building a school to accomodate more pupils than the exisiting Thomas Muir school on that site.
The school they are building is actually TWO schools combined. it will accommodate 1,200 pupils plus staff In school roll terms this will make it the largest school ever in Bishopbriggs

But...

The developers are going to build it on a smaller plot of land than the existing school occupies!

Bigger school on a smaller plot of land = land to sell for other development = profit


I wonder if the interim school board will still say they agreed to this now that they know the actual facts?

inpirED to sell of part of Thomas Muir site

Comment to post below...

The big sell off hasn't finished.

The developers are now planning to sell off part of the THOMAS MUIR site.

Go down to the Triangle Council offices (first floor), at the cross, between 9am and 5pm for the next week or so and ask the planning dept to show you document EDC-2.3-P40 and at the bottom of page three you'll see their plan.

Also have a look at document AED-2.3-P00 which appears to suggest that a proper Transport Assesment for the new school will not be carried out before the planning board look into this....and No Travel Plan has been drawn up.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The developers have also included the pitch that was part of Woodhill Primary as part of the 'new' school site....



The application also details the previous proposals of school designs for the Thomas Muir site.
Remarkably the first design is almost identical to the design rejected on the Bishopbriggs High site...



In fact the final design was only one of a least three proposed designs in the application.

It would be interesting to see the time scale of these previous designs alongside a time scale of the recommendations to built on the site NOT favoured by the public consultation.

The developers indicate that the completion of the sports pitches is expected to take up to 12 months after the new school is completed.

Use of the new school...

The times are included for community use of the 'new' school -

During term time

Day Use
Mon-Fri 8am to 6pm
Extended use
Mon-Fri 6pm to 10pm
Sat - Sun 9am to 5pm

Out with term time they expect the school facilities will be accessible for community lets.

inspirED proposal

Just to spell it out for everyone.

The builders (not the council) will, as part of the PPP project, gain several plots of valuable land 'left over' after the new schools have been built.

This includes the prime, town centre, site of the Bishopbriggs Academy.

It is my understanding that anyone wanting to use this site (including the council) will have buy it back from the builders.

It will be interesting to see how much the land at Bishopbriggs High is worth as a percentage of the estimated £25 million profit.

The public can then calculate the cost of the Bishopbriggs schools - subtract this figure from the project cost and work out how much the council really spent building our two schools.

This can then be compared to the money spent in the other council areas.

Given that the builders had been told what site to build the new Academy on and knowing that they would gain the land left over.

Their first duty as a PLC is to their share holders to make the maximise profit.

That said, the builders have to be commended on their proposal to switch sites and move the new school, away from the town centre, onto the outskirts of the town.

This would then leave them with a large plot of prime land in a town centre location and allow them to build on a flat site.

But then the did make their decision on 'educational' grounds, it truly was inspirED.

Surveyors start work at Morrisons

Surveyors have started work on the new Bishopbriggs High site development.

They were working in the car park of Morrisons this morning.

The High School site is not due to be vacant for a couple of years, until the new Academy is built.

Are they keen to find out the value of the land they have gained through the councils decision to built at Thomas Muir?

Power cut hits classes

Just one day after the extended October holiday a power cut has disrupted classes at Bishopbriggs Academy.

A number of children have lost teaching time due to the failure.

Hopefully they will be OK to recover the time lost.

Council unveil school plans

Designs for the new Bishopbriggs Academy are to be put on display.
Pupils parents, and members of the public, will be able to see the Bishopbriggs Academy plans and designs at an open evening on Monday, November 6 from 4.30pm to 8.30pm at Bishopbriggs Academy on the former Bishopbriggs High School site.

John Morrison, the liberal democrat council leader (who voted to build the Academy on the Thomas Muir site, against public consultation) urged the parents and public to turn out to see the plans.

Designs will remain on display for a short time after the open evenings to allow pupils and staff to look at them.

Academy up and running?

After an extended October break, huts in place, pupils are finally located on the Bishopbriggs High site under the umbrella of the Bishopbriggs Academy name.

Now the school is one, I look forward to seeing what happens with the existing interim school board.

Supported studies should help the pupils catch up with lost time due to 'extra' days off and extended breaks.

Pupils to be "consulted" over exams...

Pupils asked for verdict on exam

Pupils across Scotland are being asked whether they think Standard Grade exams should be scrapped.
The Herald can reveal that the consultation exercise, run by Scotland's exam body, is part of attempts to see if Standard Grade courses are still delivering what pupils want.

More from The Herald

Consultation, consultation, consultation and more consultation

How the council voted with the developers...

I have produced this map clearly showing the divide in East Dunbarton Council over the location of the Academy.

All the Liberal Democrat councillors, mainly from outside Bishopbriggs, voted against the amendment to allow the school to be built on the previously preferred site at Bishopbriggs High.

inspirED expect to make millions from schools project

You read it here first, on Wednesday September the 21st, this site reported the project was now worth £125million.

The local media says the developers estimate to make £25million profit from the East Dunbartonshire schools project. (Oct 18th, Bishopbriggs Herald, page 13 )

inspirED = Amec, John Laing and Innisfree

It is also reported that part of the deal will includes 'prime land' including the Bishopbriggs High School site (the site the people of Bishopbriggs choose as the location for the new Bishopbriggs Academy - but the council rejected). Plus surplus land on another four sites.

The public consultation on the Bishopbriggs School was rejected by ALL, and only, the Liberal Democrat members of the council. Only the provosts' casting vote managed to approve the location of the Academy onto the Thomas Muir site on the outskirts of Bishopbriggs.

Councillor Billy Hendry, who opposed the move, doesn't want to see any developers make a fortune at the expense of Bishopbriggs future on the use of the 'prime site' Bishopbriggs High School land.
I urge you all to let the council know 'your view' on the use of the Bishopbriggs High School site and who should 'profit' from it.

No Change in cost or time scale

The council have reassured the public that the project is still costing £100million and the time scale remains the same.

Their 'reassuring' wording "It is still our aspiration to have the schools open in 2008"

Dictionary meaning:

aspiration
noun
1 (usu. aspirations ) a hope or ambition of achieving something : he had nothing tangible to back up his literary aspirations | the yawning gulf between aspiration and reality. • the object of such an ambition; a goal.

Bishopbriggs High site

What do the council, and developers, have planned for the 'prime' town centre Bishopbriggs High site?

Will you have a say?

Will the council listen?

Will the £1.2million games hall survive or be demolished?

Will the existing empty shops be filled before more are built?

Who will benefit from their decision?

John Morrison (council leader) has already confirmed that they have started planning the redevelopment and various ideas are in the pipeline.

They include:

Commercial premises
Public space
Retail development
Housing opportunities
Community facilities (sports hall?)
Parking

Any retail or commercial development would have to include public space and parking. Housing opportunities doesn't sound that promising to me.
Community facilities, retention of the Sports Hall? The council would only say "it is being considered".

They say their are "opportunities" to work closely with

Local people
Traders
Community groups
and their
Partners (the Developers?)

Another 'consultation' process... we all know what that could mean.

Is the interim school board legal?

The following is from an email I received regarding the position of the interim school board.

Looking over your site I am concerned at the below extract from a contributors letter which seems to indicate that both Boards of Thomas Muir HS and Bishopbriggs HS ceased to operate as individual entities some time ago and indeed operated as an Interim Board for all matters.

(2) the Board's view did not change but, as you know, the Board ceased meeting as a separate entity following the establishment of the Interim Board and before the Council indicated that the builders had submitted proposals to build at the Thomas Muir site.

This concerns me greatly ,if true, as this is not what the School Board Scotland Act 1988 dictates will happen.

Interim Boards should only concern themselves with arrangements for the new amalgamated school e.g. primarily only selecting the new Headteacher and Senior staff and deciding on the new uniform.

All other matters should be dealt with separately by each Board meeting independently.(See School Board (S) Act 1988 Section 7) and both should be deciding matters for the benefit of the parents of the school they represent.

Sec 7(2) provides that an Interim Board will be established in the case of a combined school as soon as the decision to constitute it has been taken. The Interim Board is to comprise of members of the School Boards for the schools being amalgamated, meeting together,or,where only one of the school concerned has a Board, the members of that Board. Their functions as an Interim Board will relate only to the proposed new school. The existing Boards will remain responsible for the old schools so long as they continue.

Sec 7(4) determines that an Interim Board is to cease to exist when a School Board has been established for the combined school. This should occur as soon as practicable after the first pupils are admitted (sections 1(1) and 2A(2))

I agree that this did NOT happen - I wonder what consequences that will have?

This information has been confirmed by and independent Executive School Board Member.

Anger at extra two days lost from teaching

Parents were unhappy at the lack of notice regarding the extra two days holiday after the October break (one day).

Considering the council had to apply to the Scottish Executive for permission they feel that a days notice was not enough.

Even parents at the school on Wednesday evening for parents night were NOT told.

The council have apologise for the inconvenience that the closure may cause

See earlier post "3 teaching days lost this year" - so far.

The council state: "This closure is vital to ensure a smooth transition."

Please let me know how smooth it goes.

More from Bishopbriggs Herald

This web site is not popular with the Interim Board

Minutes of the interim school board (in the public domain) still do NOT clarify their view on the location of the new school.

It's their view as they never did consult the people they are 'supposed' to represent.

Here's what they say on the council press release...

EDC's Public Affairs Dept contacted the Board Chair (don't know which one) to clarify a point regarding the Board's view of site choice quoted in an EDC press release. Mr J Lland had contacted the council as he had felt the statement was misleading. The Chair was able to clarify the Board's view.

Unfortunately they didn't think it was worth stating that view in the minutes!

In a reference to this web site the board have take the decision that "it should not be given credence"

They also state this site was "set up to rally support in opposition to the choice of the Thomas Muir site" support from whom? It doesn't matter 'my view', 'your view' or, as has been seen, the public consultation view - only the twelve Liberal Democrat councillors view mattered (Names listed below). Yet another ill informed and short sighted view.

If the Interim Board, or anyone, has any reason to question the facts or as they put it 'credence' presented on this site they are welcome to contact me - I know they read it.

Sadly, they are quick to reject the views of the 'consulted public' on the location of the Academy, as did the council, and they still maintain the Board agreed with the council decision before it had been made!

I received this email earlier tonight also about these minutes...

1. The Board's view on the best site is still being kept a secret from parents. (see above)

2. It took the involvement of the Community Council and the Woodhill Residents Group to get a crossing patroller put on the Woodhill Road/Wester Cleddens Road Junction in early October even though it was flagged up as an issue at the end of August. (see earlier post on this site)

Regarding the contributor who sent the letter putting the High School Board's point of view about the saga of the 'support' the Thomas Muir site, while I agree that it is a fairly thankless task being on a School Board... or any organisation of this nature for that matter...it does not remove the necessity to be accountable. And with that accountability comes responsibility to represent the views of the people who you are supposed to represent. Not to just represent your own views. Sadly, I fear that this self representation is what has been going on with the Interim Board...or perhaps just seeking the 'top' position.

Another two teaching days lost

Informed by letter today (12th October - only received one this time) that another two teaching days will be lost due to the amalgamation of the two schools.

That's three days so far plus the prelim dates have also been brought forward.

I have been assured that extra supported studies will be in place two weeks after the pupils start back.

Please make sure your children support them and the school.

Although the letter you received from the school quotes the phone number 0141 762 3110 on the front page this is wrong.
Later, on page three, you will find the correct phone numbers to use.

Parents should use:

0141 772 1529 or
0141 772 7954

Consultation... Consultation... Consultation...

BBC Radio 4 are broadcasting a programme on 'why there is so much consultation done nowadays'....

... and why most of the opinions are ignored.

They suggest it's used to play 'lip service' to the public appearing to having a say in decisions that really they have NO say in at all.

Now, why does that remind me of the EDC and the High School?

Minutes of the council meeting in July...

Still not on the web site, I requested them from the legal department..

They have been emailed to me and I note the following.

I cannot find any reference to the 'educational advantages' of the Thomas Muir site anywhere in the document.

The presentation by the three external advisors considered the following...

"key requirements of the process; legal evaluation; financial evaluation; and design and technical overview"

... no mention of educational advantages.

The recommendations to the council for approval considered the following...

To approve that Bidder 1 should be selected as the preferred bidder for the PPP Project (subject to the Scottish Executive’s KSR 2 approval) on the basis of their bid for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the six schools in the Project with the exception of the cleaning service in the schools

... no mention of educational advantages.

At the beginning of the meeting councillor Hannah requested that the Provost refrain from using her casting vote, the Provost declined the request.

Councillor Hannah asked that the section regarding the building of Bishopbriggs Academy on the Thomas Muir site, recommended by Bidder 1 should be change to read on the Bishopbriggs High site.

On a split vote 12 to 12 the provost used her casting vote to reject his amendment.

The councillors that voted for the amendments (including building on Bishopbriggs High site, as voted for by the public and Jo Swinson) were...

Councillors FOR the amendment

1 Alan Brown - Cadder and Langbrae - Conservative
2 John Dempsey - Campsie - Labour
3 Rhondda Geekie - Kirkintilloch Central - Labour
4 Alex Hannah - Woodhill East - Labour
5 Billy Hendry - Balmuildy and Park - Conservative
6 Anne Jarvis - South Lenzie - Conservative
7 Charles Kennedy - Milton - Independent Alliance
8 Edward McGaughrin - Hillhead and Broomhill - Labour
9 Alan Moir - East Harestanes and Twechar - Labour
10Michael O’Donnell - Auchinairn and Woodhill - Labour
11Tom Smith - Woodhill West - Labour
12 Jack Young - Rosebank and Waterside - Independent Alliance

Councillors AGAINST the amendment

1 Fiona Callison - Chapelton - Liberal Democrat
2 Duncan Cumming - Barloch - Liberal Democrat
3 Robert Duncan - Castlehill and Thorn - Liberal Democrat
4 Eric Gotts - Clober - Liberal Democrat
5 Gordon Macdonald - Lenzie - Liberal Democrat
6 Cathy McInnes - West Kirkintilloch and Torrance - Liberal Democrat
7 Margaret McNaughton - Kenmure and Baldernock - Liberal Democrat
8 Vaughan Moody - Westerton - Liberal Democrat
9 John Morrison - Kessington - Liberal Democrat
10 Fiona Risk - Keystone - Liberal Democrat
11 Julia Southcott - Bearsden - Liberal Democrat

Casting and deciding vote...

12 Provost Patricia Steel - Baljaffery and Mosshead - Liberal Democrat

ALL the Liberal Democrats voted AGAINST the amendment and used their casting vote to push through the decision.

The wording in the minute contains an observation about her previous employment in education - I find this strange within the minute of a meeting, it can only have been include for one reason...

"The Provost, having listened to the debate and using her 32 years teaching experience used her casting vote in favour of the motion, which was accordingly declared to be carried.

After 32 years teaching you would think that she would had learned something - it was the people that voted her party into office.
They were asked their decision on the location of the school and then ignored - the people cannot, and will not, be ignored next election.

Hopefully soon you can read the minutes online - please read them.

Council minutes

Tried to access the East Dunbartonshire council minutes - only to see this...



I'll keep try...

Bosses put freeze on £7.7m school repair cash

Millions of pounds which were to be spent on improving school buildings in the Clydebank area have been frozen.
Council chiefs won't spend a penny of the £7.7million which had been set aside after a ruling that elected members broke the law.

Accountants claimed local politicians failed to adopt a process of open decision-making and warned that legal breaches at West Dunbartonshire Council could even be widespread.

More from The Evening Times

Buddies plan to fight bullies

Schools were yesterday urged to make greater use of buddying systems and pupil councils to combat bullying and indiscipline.
First Minister Jack McConnell said such schemes – already widely used – were the key to long-term good behaviour in schools, rather than tough rules.
The comments, during First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament, follow a difficult week for the Scottish Executive on education after the publication of a report on indiscipline.
An executive-funded study published on Monday by the National Foundation for Educational Research reported that almost half of secondary teachers in Scotland saw violence as a problem in their school. The most common complaint was low-level indiscipline, which ground down teacher morale.

More from The Herald

How to make money from schools...

Quotes from an article that appeared in The Herald newspaper

Havelock sees rewards of PFI in schools

Havelock Europa increased profits by 14% in the first half, helped by strong growth in its educational fittings business, which it expects to benefit from a surge in government spending on schools for years to come.

An increase in revenues from £40.3m to £42.1m, which was entirely attributable to the educational division following a big increase in spending by the Scottish Executive on school improvement projects under the private finance initiative (PFI).

Whereas the executive laid out around £190m on school PFI projects under phase one of its schools improvement programme in 2002-03, spending topped £280m in the latest year.

He expects spending to rise to £715m in Scotland in 2007-08

However, in both cases Balfour was pleased that Havelock Europa had won new business from firms such as Marks & Spencer.

Costs rise - date slips...

The building hasn't started yet!

£100million becomes £125million

Completion date now mid- 2009

Amec appointed preferred bidder for £125m East Dunbartonshire PPP schools project

The Amec-led InspirED consortium has been appointed preferred bidder by East Dunbartonshire Council for its £125m PPP schools project, as tipped by Contract Journal (9 August).

The consortium, which also includes John Laing and Innisfree, will deliver six new secondary schools and provide estate management services for 30 years.

Financial close is targeted for December 2006, with construction work beginning immediately afterwards. Completion is expected in mid-2009.

More from Contract Journal.

Parent consultation and the High School Board

Below is a letter I received from a past member of the Bishopbriggs High School Board that clears up any criticism about parent consultation. You will read that right up until the council meeting the board believed that the new school would be built on the High School site and that parents had agreed to this. It was the council who went against this selection...

Dear James

I have been looking at your web site and felt that I should respond to the comments of your anonymous contributor about the School Board. While I would accept that the Board might have done some things differently, I feel that the following points are valid:-

(1) as you know, when the proposal to build a new school was first mooted the unanimous view of the Bishopbriggs High School Board was that it should be built on the High School site. The Board did not consider that it was necessary to consult parents at that time since the Council was committed to a wideranging consultation which included parents of pupils attending the High School. The result of this consultation confirmed that the Board's decision reflected the parents' views.

(2) the Board's view did not change but, as you know, the Board ceased meeting as a separate entity following the establishment of the Interim Board and before the Council indicated that the builders had submitted proposals to build at the Thomas Muir site.

(3) as a result of the builders' proposals the Council told the Interim Board that it was required to undertake a further consultation. At that time I stated that I could see little point in a further consultation when the Council was unable to provide any information on the perceived educational advantages of the Thomas Muir site and I certainly would not have considered that there would have been any point in the Interim Board consulting with parents at that time.

(4) my recollection of the position taken by the Interim Board at that time was that if it could be shown that a school built on the Thomas Muir site would provide a better learning and teaching environment than one built on the High School site then that would be their preferred option. However the Interim Board members did not have the detailed information to enable them to reach a final decision and, accordingly, I think it was inappropriate for Councils members or officials to claim in early July that the Interim Board supported their decision.

(5) clearly, like yourself, I have no information on what discussions took place at the meeting of the Interim Board held after the Council made its decision and following receipt of detailed information on the perceived educational advantages of the Thomas Muir site but, I assume that, if they are supporting the Council's decision, they have confirmed with the head teacher and the staff members that a school at the Thomas Muir site will provide the better learning and teaching environment.

I would also like to make the following more general points:-

(1) while the Bishopbriggs High School Board did not consult with parents on the site of the new school, the Board did consult with parents on whether, in the event that the new school was to be built on the High School site, they would want their children to continue to be taught in the High School or decanted elsewhere. From approximately 1000 letters issued only around 200 replies were received.

(2) all parents of pupils attending Bishopbriggs High School in August 2005, between 1500 and 1700 I would guess, had the opportunity to stand for election to the School Board in November 2005 when 3 vacancies for parent members had to be filled. In the event only 3 nominations were received. In these circumstances I think that it is unfair that those who were prepared to serve on the Board and support the School should be subjected to criticism.

I agree with every point and would like to personally thank the contributor for this letter.

Who would have believed it?

John Morrison - has asked teams to look at proposals to regenerate town
centre taking into account Academy site once moved.

Shame they couldn't have done the same with Churchill Way and we may have had something worthwhile in the way of shops.

Tom Dibble said:

I think that on old Bishopbriggs High site most folk would like a Marks and Spencer

Visitor comment: Do these folk live in cloud cuckoo land what did consultation ask for?

What did petition ask for when M&S was first mooted?

Why are there empty units at RETAIL park?

Read the Bishopbriggs Hearld story 'Masterplan for town centre'.

The grand plan many want to consider the following.

* How many shops are lying empty?
* What impact on trade will moving 1200 people from the town centre create?
* Why was Churchill Way shopping demolished and turned into flats?
*Why have premises in Cross Court remained empty for almost a year?
The town centre has more than one - charity shop, pub, restaurant, bookmaker, travel agent, etc.

Will the council ask what the people want - then ignore them?

Remember: Marks and Spencer don't build shops, they rely on developers to create premises for them.

Friday 13th October's getting closer

Three weeks to go until the October holiday and just one week later the huts will be in place and Bishopbriggs Academy will be one school. As promised, everything will be up and running and finally the teaching staff can concentrate on teaching.

No more 15 minute breaks and busing of teaching staff one school until 2009 when the new Academy opens.

Results are in...

East Dunbartonshire came top in Scotland in terms of Standard Grades benchmark, with 89% of its pupils passing five at general level or above.

33% of pupils achieved the benchmark of three or more Highers placing East Dunbartonshire, second best, in pupil achievement in Scotland.

School exams performance fell in more than half of Scotland's local authorities last year, despite recent massive increases in education spending. Nineteen of Scotland's 32 councils had worse year-on-year results in the benchmark category

Now over a thousand regular visitors...

Thanks, figures show that this sites has over 1,000 regular visitors per week - and growing!

It's fantastic that so many are interested in why the council went against public opinion and voted to build the new school on the Thomas Muir site.

In just over a month this site has attracted over 10,000 visitors!

Thank you all for your support...

Keep visiting for the latest on the Bishopbriggs High story - gone but not forgotten...

Artists impression of new school...

The Woodhill Residents site now carries an artists impression of how close the new school is proposed to be built to home on Torr Road.

You can see for yourself here

Eric v Donald

The following two letters have appeared in recent editions of the Bishopbriggs Herald.

The first letter is from Councillor Gotts - where he states that the interim school board of Bishopbriggs Academy agreed with the council decision to site the new school on the Thomas Muir campus. 'Agreed' before the council made the decision! I have contacted Councillor Gotts regarding this statement - I am still waiting for a reply. (see earlier posts)


His letter...

East Dunbartonshire Council

I am puzzled that Donald Macdonald, the chairperson of Woodhill Residents' Group, according to statements attributed to him in a recent article in the Herald, still fails to appreciate the educational benefits of Bishopbriggs Academy being built on the Thornas Muir site.
The Supporting paper enclosed in the letter from the Head of Education, sent to every household with children at Bishopbriggs Academy and its feeder primaries, made it abundantly clear what the educational benefits are.
Those benefits include more space in the corridors for pupil movement, more natural light in classrooms, safe social areas for pupils, better outdoor space and games area and better circulation routes avoiding congestion at period changes and giving more teaching time for teachers and pupils.
It is all these enhanced aspects which contribute to the ethos and success of a modern school, creating an environment which will allow and encourage learning and teaching.
It is the topography of the Thomas Muir site which allows for a school design that matches the educational standards of the other new build schools.
This explains why both teaching unions, the interim school board of Bishopbriggs Academy and most of the associated primary school boards support the council's decision.
Parents have also been made aware of the fact that it would have been more disruptive for the continuity of education during the two year building period if the Bishopbriggs High site had been chosen.
This is because the new build would have been on the existing playing fields, with very little space for pupii movement on the rest of the site.
I am, however, pleased to hear that Mr Macdonald wants to "engage in a positive dialogue with the council regarding the final plans of the school".
As educational convener, I want the best learning environment for pupils in our schools and best teaching facilities for staff.
I hope that Mr Macdonald shares that vision.

Councillor Eric Gotts
East Dunbartonshlre Council

Here is Donald Macdonald, chairperson of the Woodhill Residents reply...

Dear Sir

Following on from Councillor Eric Gotts letter printed on 23rd August, I am as puzzled about the so called 'Educational Benefits' of the Thomas Muir site as he clearly is about the widespread opposition in Bishopbriggs to this decision made by councillors who predominantly represent Bearsden and Milngavie.

Having read the full papers presented to councillors prior to the 'secret' meeting on 26th June, most of the benefits stated are not educational and some are just downright preposterous. Your readers can view these papers by logging on to woodhill residents web site.

However I feel that some of Eric's assertions require to be countered. Because the Thomas Muir building will be occupied by pupils from St Ninians when the new Academy is built, the design of the school has been compromised to fit into the L-shape of the existing playing fields.
Most people will have assumed that the school would be built on the existing footprint of Thomas Muir, not less than 30 metres from the back doors of houses on Torr Road. And when St Ninians move out in two years time, builders will have to flatten the hill where the school used to be to create playing fields, and take away playing space recently given to Woodhill Primary.

On the papers given to Councillors there is no mention of the Interim School Board supporting the council decision from the consultation returns, mainly because the decision had not been taken, and the papers state clearly that the Board still required proof of the benefits. Perhaps the Board when it next meets could reassure parents in Bishopbriggs that it can see the benefits no one else can.

Eric's concern for Bishopbriggs pupils enduring a building site outside their classroom is indeed laudable. He seems to have no such qualms for the pupils of Douglas Academy or Bearsden Academy. But then there are no other cheaper sites available in Bearsden and Milngavie unlike Bishopbriggs, where builders are proposing a mixed residential and RETAIL development for the Town Centre site. We can only hope the congestion predicted for the area if the Academy had been built there will not affect planning permission for any upmarket clothing and food retailer who might be interested in opening up in Bishopbriggs!

Eric should take a good hard look at appendix C8c of the 80 page document he and his colleagues were supposed to have read before voting for the Builders proposition for Bishopbriggs. It clearly states that the Bishopbriggs site would be at the 'heart of the community', but that this is not an educational benefit. I always believed that the Liberal Democrats were strong supporters of Community, but then the current administration are not particularly liberal and certainly not democratic.

Eric will know from my recent involvement in the School Board Forum that I have best interests of pupils AND parents at heart. All the Woodhill Residents have ever asked about the builders proposals is 'WHY?'. Perhaps this is a question that will be answered when we finally have our promised meeting with Eric's boss Councillor Morrison.

Thanks to Donald Macdonald for allowing the publishing of his letter on this site. You can view the Woodhill Residents site here

Council documents...

The Woodhill Residents group have published more documents relating to the council's decision to go against public opinion and build Bishopbriggs Academy on the Thomas Muir site.

Read the documents here.

Become a councillor...

The Scottish Executive are looking to recruit more local councillors ahead of next year's elections on 3rd May.

Here's some of the attributes they would like you to have

"to be a committed and focussed approach to serving their community and looking after the interests of the people living there."

"with their influence touching everything from our children's education, to ensuring our bins are emptied"

Maybe you should decide if the present councillors meet these requirements before voting for them next year.

Not yet though!

As you can see, unfortunately their web site is not active at time of writing...

Save the trees... + Bishopbriggs pollution on the increase.

18 A4 sheets, 3 envelopes, 90p postage...

East Dunbartonshire Council are striving to increase community recycling... that's the reason your bin may not be emptied as often...

Why then did I receive three letters all addressed identically and containing the exact same information?

Eighteen sheets of A4 paper, three envelopes, 90p postage, triplicating what could have been sent only once (mail merge?).

The headteacher and staff are doing a great job I would like to thank them.
It's great that parents are being informed on the progress made with the amalgamation and timetable.

But why three copies? Are the council trying to fill the recycling bins faster?

On a similar note, air pollution in Bishopbriggs is rising...

Air pollution is believed to kill more than 2,000 people in Scotland ever year, while nitrogen dioxide from car exhausts can damage lungs and increase the risk of asthma in children.

Bishopbriggs was also ordered to improve its air quality after raw figures showed nitrogen dioxide concentrations have soared by up to 9mg/m3 in some parts of the town.

More from Scotland on Sunday

The council decided to site the new school where it's more difficult to get to by public transport.

Another winner for the council?

Interim school board legal?

I understand that after the joint school board forum meeting, the council are checking the legal situation of the Bishopbriggs Academy interim school board.

I will let you all know the outcome as soon as I know.

See this...

School board post

This comment was received tonight...

"I for one am looking forward to the forthcoming elections for the Academy School Board. Perhaps then we will get a Board that asks the parents what they want, rather than what the Board themselves want. The site of the new school was the single biggest issue ( after the amalgamation) to affect not only pupils, families and Bishopbriggs for a generation. The fact that the Board made no attempt to canvass the opinion of parents was dereliction of duty and none of them deseve to be re-elected. I think as many parents as possible should stand for election to ensure that no one is elected unopposed and existing members are forced to justify their actions over this decision."

As a previous member of this board I have to admit that more should have been done to include the parents view. But, I also know that not all members of the present board agree with the way this situation has been handled.
School boards are about to be phased out let's hope that parents come forward and have their say...

East Dunbartonshire ignore advice 'they' supplied to the Scottish Executive?

Some quotes from the Scottish Executive document supplied by East Dunbartonshire council on the consultation exercise to survey stakeholder opinion...

"...East Dunbartonshire Council has recently undertaken a consultation exercise to survey stakeholder opinion on how it might proceed with the regeneration of its school estate. The information gathered will be used to develop the plan for the school estate and PPP project."

"Analysis of the questionnaires will provide the views of stakeholders for consideration by the council on how it will address its school estate. The weightings in the option appraisal exercise will be influenced by these results."

"Elected Members consider that the views of stakeholders are crucial to the success of the project."

"This exercise has provided invaluable data that will be used to inform the council's decision-making process and support the direction of future policy."

"The results of the questionnaire have provided the council with a clear evidence-based mandate to proceed with a programme that is supported by a significant proportion of the community."

"The market research company considered this a success; as rates return are normally lower and the council is delighted at the level of response. It provides a significant sample of stakeholder opinion relating to a number of contentious issues."

" Resources allocation will always generate debate and this exercise will inevitably lead to individuals or particular action groups expressing views that oppose decisions reached: this is the nature of a democratic society."

This turned out to be the council themselves.

"Through the consultation process, a significant proportion of the community has had the opportunity to express views with the result that decisions reached should be capable of being shown to relate well to local opinion."

Read the complete text Scottish Executive

PLUS....

East Dunbartonshire win case to witholding information on proposed sale of land on the Bearsden Academy site...

Download and read the pdf document here web version here

A decide if you agree with the decision...

Why the slip to 2009?

From the pfi.net website...

Inspired PPP Decision for East Dunbartonshire

East Dunbartonshire Council have announced the preferred bidder for its £100m PPP schools project. Council Leader, John Morrison announced that inspirED, the consortium led by the AMEC Group, has been chosen to take forward the £100m schools PPP project to build six brand new schools for pupils in East Dunbartonshire by the end of 2008.

Councillor John Morrison:

"... I believe that we will take parents with us as the outcome is fair and equitable"

Councillor Eric Gotts:

"...In a very short time our young people will be learning in modern buildings"

"I firmly believe that the designs and locations that have been selected represent the very best educational solution for all six school communities"

Read it all here

£758,000 to help revamp schools

East Dunbartonshires share of the £30m Scotland wide package announced by Education Minister Peter Peacock during a visit to a school in Glasgow.

Mr Peacock said...

"The new generation of PPP-funded schools are offering some of the most advanced learning environments in the world. "This extra money will help upgrade and modernise facilities in our other schools."

Glasgow schools will get an extra £3.1million

Other areas getting cash include...

East Ayrshire - £734,000
East Dunbartonshire - £758,000
East Renfrewshire - £602,000
Inverclyde - £571,000
North Ayrshire - £835,000
North Lanarkshire - £2.15m
Renfrewshire - £1.03m
South Ayrshire - 703,000
South Lanarkshire - £1.92m
West Dunbartonshire - £610,000.

What will East Dunbartonshire do with it's £758,000?
When I find out - you'll find the answer here.

It fits.. on the high school site

And the sports hall remains!

This overlay shows the footprint of the proposed Bishopbriggs Academy on the Bishopbriggs High School site.

NOTE: The sports hall remains (shiny object) and the sports fields could be used. No waiting for demolition, flattening and other necessary work that will be required at the Thomas Muir site.

All that needed to be done was demolish the existing school and build the new one in it's place. The pupils could have use the Thomas Muir school.
Unfortunatly it will being used by another school, St Ninnian's, thus allowing them to have their school built on it's footprint.


They built on that footprint before why not now?

September PPP newsletter available...

This is the only school that you can see part of - why?

The September edition of the PPP newsletter provides an update on...

School Designs
Project Evaluation
Council recommendation to the Scottish Executive
Access to School Designs
Project Timeline

You can download a copy here from the council website.

If you look carefully some cracks have started to appear in the council objections to the high school site -

Problems with the Bishopbriggs High site included 'it's on a slop'.

Look carefully at the drawing in the newsletter - both Bearsden Academy and Douglas Academy are to be built on slopes. No problem there then.

The design for the 'pronged' design on the high school site provide difficult to manage.

Check the St Ninian's design it is almost identical to the rejected design at the high school. Again, not a problem it would seem.

We can only see part of the Bishopbriggs Academy (referred to as the 'Bishopbriggs School' on the opening page).
Why? when you can see all of the other schools.

Note the paragraph on the Bishopbriggs Academy build...

"...we hope to consolidate the school on the present Bishopbriggs High site"

Did the council not promise it would be complete after the October break?

Has Bishopbriggs lost out again?

Proposed site

As you can see from the above 'footprint' of the proposed Bishopbriggs Academy it fits neatly into the area of the pitches on the Thomas Muir site.

Why does this have to be?

With two sites and one school being built in Bishopbriggs and ALL the pupils using the Bishopbriggs High campus during the build.

Why not knock down Thomas Muir and built the new school where the old one was sited?

Because the bidders need to use the Thomas Muir school to allow them to knock down a school in Kirkintilloch that WILL be built on it's own footprint.

That's the only way they could complete the project in the reduced time scale they offered the council.

Are they now saying that the present school is not on the best position for a school on this site?
Then why did they built it there in the first place?

New school on existing footprint

This decision has again angered residents who will now live in the 'shadow' of the new school where once they had views of the Campsies.

Have the people of Bishopbriggs lost out again?

Not only the site of the school but the position of the school on that site is now being questioned.

Will the council take the residents considerations into account? - I wouldn't hold my breath!

A spokesperson for the council said...

"Matters of detail will now be addressed... local people will be able to make representations on the planning application for the new school building once it has been submitted"

You can check recent planning applications on the council web site here

Thank you all...

The number of visitors to this site continues to rise - daily...

Please tell your friends, neighbours, fellow pupils, mums, dads, grand parents, aunts, uncles, teachers and councillors (although I think they know) and anyone that can read, that it's here and please continue to leave comments.

It takes a lot of work, let's hope at least one child in Bishopbriggs gets a better education because of it!

And as one of the 'unhappy few' as the 'anonymous' writer in the Bishopbriggs Herald letter section put it.

The 'unhappy few' speak for the majority of the people that were consulted and chose the Bishopbriggs High site as their preferred option - THAT'S A FACT.

But then I do have the guts to put my name on every post, I don't hide behind anonymous letter writing.

Firms criticise education system

Business leaders have warned that there are "clear weaknesses" in Scotland's education system.

"The quality of performance of local authorities...
...varies across the country and we desperately need to achieve consistency based on the standards set by the best, not the average."

Full story on the BBC web site

Morrison versus Swinson

The elections are eight months away and they are already under pressure due to the controversial fortnightly refuse collection scheme.

Swinson...

"I disagree with the decision to site the new school on the Thomas Muir site"

Morrison...

"She is the new MP and lacks experience in many key areas"

Swinson...

"the views of local people in favour of the Bishopbriggs High site, would have weighed more heavily"

Morrison...

"She is also not responsible for Scottish education as an MP"

MP Jo Swinson is the Lib Dems' Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland

John Morrison is leader of East Dunbartonshire council

Here's how the Bishopbriggs Herald reported the fight...

full story here

"It's fair enough to say that we disagree in this matter."
- Jo Swinson

"Jo Swinson lacks experience in many key areas" - John Morrison

In a remarkable comment John Morrison said about his Lib Dem colleague -

"She is, of course, the new MP and lacks experience in many areas."

Jo Swinson is 'slapped down' in an interview with The Herald. He again repeated that the councillors took the decision and are accountable for it!

A Liberal Democrat council head has slapped down his party's Scottish leader at Westminster over a schools row, saying she is showing inexperience and should not interfere in education issues.
John Morrison, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, was responding to the opposition of Jo Swinson, the area's MP and front-bench spokeswoman on Scotland, to a council decision over the site of a merged school.
Thomas Muir High is to be joined with Bishopbriggs High School as part of a £100m private-public finance project affecting six schools.
Parents at both schools have sought to have the new school, named Bishopbriggs Academy, built on one or other of the current sites - Bishopbriggs High in the town centre and Thomas Muir on its outskirts.
The council's recent decision to place it at the Thomas Muir site has angered those on the losing side, who have gained the backing of Ms Swinson.
Responding to her reported comments, John Morrison yesterday said: "She is, of course, the new MP and lacks experience in many key areas. She is also not responsible for Scottish education as an MP, as it is a devolved matter for the Scottish Parliament. The 12 Liberal Democrat councillors took the decision they did, weighing up the educational benefits of the competing sites and are, of course, accountable for that decision, which Ms Swinson is not.
"The decision we took will have to stand the test of time. I'm sure that, given time, Jo Swinson will realise the benefits of the Thomas Muir site."
Ms Swinson said last night: "I've made my views clear to the constituents who asked me about this. I'm well aware it's not an issue I've got any jurisdiction over, but when my constituents ask my opinion on something, I have a responsibility to tell them what I think."

The council were voted in to represent the best interests of their constituents, have they done this? Did they make the correct decision for the right reasons?

Did the council listen to people of Bishopbriggs - No.
Does their leader listen to his MP colleague - No.
Why should be believe them when they say they made this decision for the RIGHT reasons?

Read the rest of this site then YOU decide.

Thomas Muir pupils send home for dry clothes...

Reports reaching this site suggest that on Friday pupils, visiting shops at Woodhill during a break, were soaked to the skin.

Some changed into their Gym kit while others were allowed to call home for replacement clothes others were sent home - see comments.

If you have any further information please use the comment option below.