Jackie GrunsellCouncillor for Crosland Moor and Netherton Kirklees Schools Crisis WHEN KIRKLEES COUNCIL was told by the government they were going to get £400 million to rebuild, or refurbish, all our schools, they were ecstatic about preparing education for the 21st Century. A huge, no-expenses-spared launch of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme took place last year at the Galpharm Stadium. W eweretoldtherewascrosspar tysupportfor themostexciting venture for Kirklees education for over 40 years. A year later - and what has been the result? Political Crisis A huge political crisis has gripped the Council, as councillors have fallen out time and time again, putting their own interests first, before the wider needs of the community. Council meetings have descended into a slanging match between all the main par ties. First the Tories were kicked out of office, and now the Lib Dems have resigned from the Cabinet - leaving New Labour to govern as a minority administration. The plans for our sc hools have changed at least four times: with endless drafts being slung into the waste bin, leaving schools, staff and pupils bewildered about their future. Council meetings have been besieged by countless lobbies, protests and demon- strations from pupils, governors, parents and trade unions - all horrified at the scale of the cuts. What’s the Result? As the smoke begins to clear from the big- gest political crisis ever to grip Kirklees Council, what has been the result? • all Middle Schools in the Whitcliffe Mount area to close • Birkdale and Castle Hall High School earmarked for closure • several other primary schools under review, with a view to closure The government is bribing councils with the offer of £400 million, on condition they introduce academies and founda- tion trusts, and bring in privatisation measures - all fancy words for remov- ing our schools from local democratic control into the hands of unaccountable businesses and individuals. And while determined local campaigns have managed to push back some of these proposals, the future of other schools still remain in the balance. Fighting Pr ivatisation The council is now turning its attention to the Huddersfield schools. Any High Schools with less than 700 pupils (which could potentially threaten Moor End) and primary schools with less than 200 pupils are under threat, as well as Middle Schools in the Shelley area. The threat ofprivatisation remains in the air. Jackie has maintained a clear stand in these debates: she has actively opposed school closures and has fought the privatisation proposals. She contin- ues being committed to maintaining and expanding public services, and will be part of any campaigns to keep our schools open and accountable to the local community. She remains a fighting councillor for the community. Kirklees Summer Activity Programme Kirklees has run a number ofSummer Activities this year for children and young people aged 8 to 19 years olds. Jackie would like to hear from you about what you think of the provision provided by the council, so that she can take up your concerns and put forward your needs. Was the provision available initially sufficiently advertised and clear information given to parents and young people? Was there adequate and easily accessible provision in your area? Were dates and opening times adequate fo r your needs? W ere the range and quality of the activities suitable? And finally, can you suggest activities you would like to see happening next year? Please write to Jackie at the council, or contact her using the information at the bottom of the back page of this leaflet.
