A controversial decision by the First Minister not to review the closure of Menzieshill High School has been branded a “stitch-up”.
Dundee-based MSP Jenny Marra said it was “extraordinary” that the “dubious” decision to close the school would not be reconsidered.
Campaigners have vowed to continue to fight the closure despite the Scottish Government pouring cold water on any suggestions of council wrongdoing.
Education convener Stewart Hunter hoped the ruling would draw a line under the issue so the council can get on with “doing right” by the staff and pupils at the school.
But Ms Marra claimed the decision was a “stitch-up between a council trying to cut costs and a government content to look the other way”.
The Labour MSP said: “I find it extraordinary that the SNP Government in Edinburgh is not prepared to listen to the case being made by parents worried about their children’s education.
“The dubious case for closing Menzieshill High has been thrown into doubt by the projected population figures, and all we are asking is that we carefully consider what’s best for Dundee pupils rather than rushing through cost-saving measures.
“The attainment record in Dundee schools is unacceptable, and it’s hard to see how this will be improved by forcing more pupils into the Harris Academy when it’s already going to be bulging at the seams.
“The SNP Government has put in place measures to protect pupils from school closures in rural areas of Scotland, but this same standard is not afforded to city schools like Dundee.”
SNP councillor Mr Hunter said it is “unfortunate and disappointing that Jenny Marra does not appear to understand how legislation works”.
He added: “We have always made it clear that this decision had nothing to do with finance it is about the education of young people in Dundee. The important thing now is that we can start making the preparations for the closure of the school.
“We now need to look at doing what is best for pupils and staff.”
The Rev Bob Mallinson of the Save Menzieshill High campaign group said: “The campaign does not stop at this point, and in many ways this is as much about our community as it is about Menzieshill High School.”
The Scottish Government’s report on the decision stated that, having reviewed the city council’s proposal paper and consultation report, it was happy that the council “had fulfilled its obligations”.
It continued: “(Ministers) have considered that none of the issues raised by the (Save Menzieshill High campaign) group suggested a failure in a significant regard by the council to comply with the requirements placed on it.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “The circumstances when the Government can ‘call in’ a school closure proposal are very limited.
“After careful consideration of the council’s proposals to close Menzieshill High School, and all the issues raised by the Save Menzieshill High School Campaign, ministers consider that Dundee City Council has fulfilled its obligations under the 2010 Act. Consequently, they have decided not to issue a call-in notice for this proposal.”