A TALE of two schools will be required reading in teachers’ common rooms and school car parks this morning as parents, staff and pupils digest the news they have been anticipating for months.

For one, it will be sheer elation. For the other, absolute misery.

The difference between the schools in human terms is negligible. Both have strong communities which value their own school with its own identity. Both have PTAs which have fought their corner with skill and pride.

Unfortunately, on Education’s figures, the difference in financial terms is pronounced.

While St Andrew’s Primary is 16% over the average cost per pupil across all States schools, St Sampson’s Infants is almost 60% over.

Beyond that, the latter is the only remaining infant school not linked to a junior. Once the secondary school moved on to Baubigny it was left in a very vulnerable position.

That should not mean, however, that the die is cast.

As the posters which have sprung up in both schools’ catchment areas have reminded us, a school is not just about money. St Sampson’s has been in operation for over 100 years and its parents and pupils deserve the States’ full consideration, as do the environmental implications of students travelling further to school.

One central point that will be argued is how great the savings will be. Of the £252,000 in ‘potential savings’ identified if St Sampson’s is closed, 90% are in staff costs.

Yet Education would have those same staff ‘redeployed to other schools’ where they will presumably continue to draw a salary.

Perhaps all of those teachers will fill jobs in other schools lost through natural wastage. If so, Education must make that plain.

It is also important that the future of the buildings and site is clear. Islanders will be much more understanding if they can see the value of what would replace the school.

Education knows this is just part of a lengthy process. Should the States overrule the department, a request for a budget to reflect that decision can be expected on the minister’s desk at Treasury and Resources by nightfall.