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Workshops helping local schools prepare for budget cuts

Thursday, 19 January 2012

A SERIES of workshops are being held throughout this week to help local schools prepare for impending budget cuts that have been imposed by the Department of Education.
Organised by the Western Education and Library Board (WELB), the workshops were arranged after Education Minister, John O'Dowd, informed school principals that their financial allocation would be reduced by five per cent this year, with further cuts in the following two years.
In a letter sent to local school principals and Board of Governor chairpersons on January 4 this year, WELB chief executive Barry Mulholland warned that these proposals would have a "major impact" on every school in the Western Board with regard to their financial position.
Mr Mulholland stated: "Some schools were already experiencing financial pressures when preparing their current financial plans, but this announcement about the reduction in the Aggregated Schools Budget (ASB) affects all schools.
“The Department of Education is insisting that schools begin to prepare a 'planned, balanced budget' and identify and undertake 'the appropriate action to reduce costs to ensure they remain within it [budget] over the next three financial years'."
Mr Mulholland said that it was "inevitable" that there would be reductions in the number of teachers and other staff, which would lead to increased pupil/teacher ratios and financial pressures on other resources within schools.
Financial estimates
Local principals and Board of Governors representatives from every school have been asked by the Department of Education to prepare detailed financial estimates to enable them to undertake the appropriate action to reduce costs.
To assist local schools begin the planning process, the WELB organised a series of workshops, which started on Monday and will finish tomorrow (Thursday).
In his letter, Mr Mulholland stated that the workshops would update schools on the new funding allocations, provide advice on voluntary and compulsory redundancies and advise on three-year financial planning.
Meanwhile, in a rare boost for the province's beleaguered education sector, the Northern Ireland Assembly executive last week agreed to provide local schools with additional funding totalling £120 million over the next three years.
The decision - which followed talks convened by First Minister, Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness - will see an additional allocation of £30 million, £15 million and £75 million from the 2012/13 financial year on, going straight into school budgets.
Despite this funding boost, Education Minister Mr O'Dowd said it was important to stress that these additional funds had not completely eradicated the pressures bearing down on local schools.
Financial challenges
Speaking after the announcement, Mr O'Dowd said: "Since my appointment as Education Minister I have consistently highlighted the fact that that the education budget faces unprecedented financial challenges over the next three years. I said that I would argue the case with Executive colleagues for further investment to help alleviate pressures on school budgets.
“I am extremely pleased, therefore, that my arguments have been listened to and welcome the additional allocations over the next three years."
The Education Minister said, last September, he had announced a "very significant" programme of transformational change involving the viability audit and area planning to ensure that Northern Ireland had an effective and efficient education system.
“Clearly, the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority next year will also be a key factor.
“It is crucial that we continue to deliver these key strategic initiatives and I intend to work with all key stakeholders to ensure that these are fully delivered. By doing so we can provide every child with the world-class education they deserve," Mr O'Dowd added.

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