A Fife headteacher has warned schools may have to adopt a four-and-half day week to make ends meet as budget cuts bite.
Madras College rector David McLure told a recent parent council meeting staff cuts were likely in the short-term and a “fundamental change” would be needed when local savings options were exhausted.
This could include a shorter school week, he said.
The St Andrews high school is facing a £266,762 reduction in its budget over the next year, the second largest cut of all Fife’s secondaries after Bell Baxter, which has been hit with a £272,866 cut.
While Fife Council has insisted no decisions have been made on savings options and talks with staff are ongoing, Mr McLure’s comments have been described as “very disturbing” by a north east Fife councillor.
Conservative member Linda Holt said cuts to teaching staff would mean either increased class sizes or fewer subject choices.
“The SNP/Labour administration is cutting millions from Fife’s education budget,” she said.
“Already Fife teachers are feeling the pressure as evidenced by their absence rate, which is worse than the Scottish average. These cuts will only add to the strain on staff, parents and pupils.”
Ms Holt expressed particular concern that whilst some schools would see a budget increase, Madras and Bell Baxter are among only four to see six-figure cuts.
Calling on Fife Council to be upfront with parents, pupils and staff, she said: “With the best will in the world, it is absurd to pretend that the education of Fife’s children will not be harmed by such relentless cost-cutting.”
The council’s head of education and children’s services Shelagh McLean said delivering quality teaching and learning in schools remained fundamental.
“Neither the school nor the education directorate are in a position to outline proposals of how these savings will be achieved at this point,” she said.
“I’d like to stress that no formal change exercise is in place and decisions have not yet been taken.”
Ms McLean said discussions with staff began before the school holidays and school-level talks would continue.
“Any proposed staffing plan will be formally consulted on with staff next school session,” she said.
“We are, of course, facing budget challenges and, like all council services, we are required to make savings.
“We do this in a planned manner and in discussion with our staff.”
