Belturbet School losses teacher over strict interpretation of pupil rules

A local school stands to lose a teacher because its enrolment was just one pupil short by the cut off, and despite a commitment of three more pupils joining this December, the Dáil has heard.

St. Mary’s Boys’ National School in Belturbet is a senior boys’ school with pupils from 2nd–6th class, with a record of increasing enrolment over the past three years.

In March 2023 St Mary's had a projected enrolment of 78 for this school year, and so were successful in their application for a fourth mainstream class teacher. However, according to Sinn Féin's Pauline Tully speaking in the Dáil (October 24), due to “reasons beyond their control”, some pupils who had enrolled cannot attend the school at present.

The cut-off point for a fourth teacher is 78, with staffing resources provided to schools based on pupil enrolments on the previous September 20. St Mary's enrolment currently stands at 77, and as a result average class sizes will now increase from 19 to 26.

“One pupil has enrolled but not yet attended the school due to medical reasons. He is receiving medical treatment abroad. His family has informed the school that he will back in Ireland in November and should be in school from then on. He was present with his peers for the second class induction day in June. That information has been provided to the Department,” she explained in her address to Minister of State, James Lawless. “Two other pupils are awaiting visas.”

The Celt understands that parents of children attending the school were informed of the development, and councillors, TDs and Senators were written to urging them to lobby Minister Norma Foley and her department to reverse the cut.

The school did appeal the decision but was turned down.

Deputy Tully states that the principal and school community understand that there are “rules, cut-off points and so on”.

“If they were not aware of these three students who hope to attend the school before Christmas or if the school's enrolment trend was decreasing, they might understand this action but evidence has been provided that there are students waiting to enrol and attend.”

In his response Deputy Lawless said that staffing schedules operate in a “clear and transparent manner and treats all similar schools equally, irrespective of location”.

He noted too that such calls are “always difficult”, and that “sticking to the letter of the rules is a way to ensure transparency and consistency. I appreciate completely, however, that there may be extenuating circumstances in this case.”