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Labour's dire education record in Fife slammed by Rennie
January 31, 2006 3:30 PM
Lib Dem by-election candidate Willie Rennie has launched a stinging attack on Labour's record on education in Fife, with the results of his survey of local headteachers providing the clearest evidence yet that there is major concern about the size and standards of our schools.
More than 80% of respondents thought that local schools were too big and over 90% said that they didn't have the money to keep school buildings up to scratch.
The Lib Dem candidate believes that this damning evidence should shame the Labour council into raising its game when it comes to local education.
Speaking today, Willie Rennie said:
"This is the clearest evidence yet that Labour is failing our schools.
"Many local parents have already expressed concern about the size of Fife's secondary schools - which are amongst the largest in Scotland.
"They tell me that the huge school rolls affect the standards of education and fuel indiscipline. Parents want more investment in our schools, smaller class sizes and more teachers.
"Now local headteachers are confirming that things must change. Not only do they think that our schools are too big, they also tell me that they aren't being given the money to maintain the upkeep of their buildings.
"Just this weekend we learned that Fife gives only half its education budget to the chalkface. Why doesn't the Labour-run council trust our headteachers to decide what our schools and children need most?
"The purse strings must be loosened and more power devolved directly to the schools.
"I also want to transform our classrooms and improve the learning environment for our children. Labour has promised a new secondary school for the West Fife villages for years, but we're still waiting. A new and modern Dunfermline High School is also badly needed, but again Labour has failed to deliver. I am determined to fight for both of these vital local schools."
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