Please see HAGS Actions 16/06/08

The first Haddington Action Group (HAGS) meeting was held on 16^th June with particularly good representation from Haddington Infants, King’s Meadow and Knox.  Also in attendance were a representative from St. Mary’s, Iain Gray (MSP) and Don Ledingham (ELC – Education) – unfortunately no councillors were able to attend due to prior commitments.

Concerns about school budget cuts, proposed class sizes, composite classes and roll capping at Knox were strongly voiced.  Don Ledingham explained the position for ELC.

In summary, this is an issue about money – no surprises there then.  As you can see from the SPTC Newsletter, funding is a very complex area.  From the ELC perspective, they have been tasked by Scottish Government with making efficiency savings of 2% for the next 3 years – this is tied into the freezing of council tax bills.   Where they make these savings though is up to the council.  In addition and of particular concern to Haddington Infant School is the £50,000 cut in the predictable needs budget which has resulted in the recent loss of one nursery post.

A number of actions were agreed and details will be circulated later.  A further meeting has been scheduled for September and we hope to have local councillors present.  In the meantime, Iain Gray has promised to keep lobbying the Government on our behalf.