A wide-ranging review of secondary education in Powys will be led by a new specialist board, an extraordinary meeting of Powys County Council agreed last Thursday.
The meeting, called following the unauthorised release of review working document, agreed that a special body which would include elected members should be appointed by the council’s main Board in March.
Board Member for Schools, Councillor David Jones said: “We appreciate the concern created by the unauthorised release of an initial paper. To help restore confidence in a review that is vital for the future education of our youngsters I have called for the steering group to be disbanded
“We need to appoint a review board, made up of elected members and technical officers that can take the process forward. Change in the way secondary schools are provided is essential if we are to provide the best possible start for our youngsters. The status quo is not an option.
“I intend taking a report to the Council’s Board on the 2nd March outlining the makeup and terms of reference for a new School Modernisation Programme Board which will include Elected Member representation.
“A council seminar will be held on March 19 and will be invited to approve Board’s recommendations regarding the School Modernisation Programme Board, together with an outline of the programme of work necessary to enable informed options for secondary education in Powys to be identified.
“There will be full consultation with stakeholders and the public on any options developed before any decisions are considered.”
