This Is Guernsey

By Jess Stevenson

THE final decision on the future of St Andrew’s Primary and St Sampson’s Infants schools will be decided in the States, Education has maintained.

Board member Deputy Matt Fallaize has spoken out to counter confusion over speculation that a change had been made to the department’s original recommendation.

‘I think it would be unfair to present this as if there has been any kind of U-turn. There hasn’t,’ he said.

‘The department’s position is still that St Andrew’s should stay open and St Sampson’s close.

‘I know that when I have spoken to the media or anyone else that I’ve been quite cautious in saying it is only our “recommendation” and that the final decision on both schools will be made by the States.’

Deputy Fallaize said he was concerned that the recommendation had been taken by some as a final decision.

‘I’m aware that kind of view was gaining ground.’

In September, St Andrew’s celebrated after Education minister Carol Steere announced in the States that the department had decided to recommend that the primary school stay open.

PTA chairwoman Maria Tostevin told the Guernsey Press yesterday it had been categorically told by Education that if there was a positive outcome to the department’s recommendations in September, the issue would not be up for further debate.

Deputy Fallaize said he had not kept tabs on what every member of the board had said. ‘If any member of our board stated categorically that the school would not close, it would be inappropriate to have done that because it is only a recommendation.’

The final report on the future of both schools will be debated in the States this month, when members could overturn Education’s recommendation.

‘I think arguments will be put from both sides and the States will effectively have three choices – either go with our recommendation, keep both schools open or close both,’ said Deputy Fallaize.

‘If the majority of members want to do something different to what the department recommends, then we’re obliged to go with what the States wants.’

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Article posted on 8th January, 2009 - 2.29pm