Parents at a school facing merger are worried the city council is putting “financial and political goals” ahead of their children’s education.
They claim they have yet to hear convincing evidence of the merits of Hillside Primary in Menzieshill losing its independence and being joined with Gowriehill Primary.
The education department has proposed spending £11.5 million to build a new three-stream school, also incorporating Menzieshill Nursery, on a site by Dickson Avenue.
The parent council at Hillside, which has almost 300 pupils, said they welcomed the proposed investment in schools in the area, but warned that many members were unsure if merger was the best option.
They said: “We are concerned that financial and political goals are being put ahead of educational and community factors.
“With the year-on-year increases in school roll, Hillside has a strong and successful record of achievement and this reputation makes places hotly sought after.
“It is sited in a quiet residential area with plenty of green play space, a sensory garden and a superb enhanced provision unit for pupils with learning disabilities with the acclaimed autistic-specific unit drawing from across Dundee.
“Parents are angered at the possible loss of these assets together with the close proximity of the proposed new site to a run-down area of shops, a takeaway, a pub and a pharmacy.
“A vote amongst parents and carers at Hillside and the Menzieshill nursery showed that 74% preferred the existing site and 80% preferred a school of 300 versus the planned one of 430 pupils.
“The council’s proposal is disappointingly short on detail and justification. The parent council would like to see convincing evidence that this is the plan with the best long-term outcomes for our children’s education in a safe environment.”
Consultation meetings on the merger proposals will be held at Hillside on February 20 and the nursery the next day.
Education convener Stewart Hunter said: “Dundee City Council is committed to upgrading our school estate. We have proposals for a number of new schools, one of which is in Menzieshill.
“At the moment we are consulting on these proposals with the local communities. This is an opportunity for all parents to have their say and their views will be listened to.
“I would encourage all parents to get involved and have their say. If these schools get the go-ahead then the final decisions on what the schools will look like will be decided by a project board which will have pupils and parents on it.
“I believe, with the experience of other new builds behind us, that not only will the education of pupils not be negatively affected, they will in fact be enhanced.
“However, we will listen closely to the community as a whole through the consultation process.”
If the merger goes ahead the new campus will be completed in early 2016.
The council has argued there is a need to replace the schools and nursery owing to their age. Officers have also said the sites of the primaries, with Hillside in narrow residential streets and 130-pupil Gowriehill by a bend on busy Charleston Drive, are not suited to dropping off and picking up pupils. The council would also save on the cost of looking after three separate buildings.
grsmith@thecourier.co.uk