Future of Catholic secondary education provision in Longford and surrounding areas up for discussion
A consultation process is underway to explore the future of Catholic secondary education provision in Longford and surrounding areas.
A joint statement issued this evening by CEIST (Catholic Education An Irish Schools' Trust) Chief Executive Officer Gerry McGuill and Fr Tom Healy, Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, said 'it is an opportune time to explore current and future Catholic secondary educational provision in Longford and surrounding areas'.
CEIST, Patron of Méan Scoil Mhuire, Longford; and the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Patron of St Mel’s College; met with their respective boards of management and staffs and commenced a consultation process on the future of Catholic education in Longford town.
The process will be guided by an independent facilitator, Mr Frank Smith.
The Patrons stated that 'they have no pre-determined outcome in mind, and wish to have 'an honest conversation' with all stakeholders 'about the future of Catholic post-primary education provision in the area'.
The full statement reads;
"St Mel’s College and Meán Scoil Mhuire have been at the forefront of the provision of high quality post-primary education in the Catholic tradition for many years in Longford.
"Both schools have a very rich historical tradition and are highly appreciated as providing a values based education to past and present students, alongside high academic standards.
"Nationally, the educational landscape is changing rapidly, and it is the responsibility of the Patrons, as guardians of Catholic education in Longford, to consider the future and plan for future development of these great traditions.
"Both Patrons (Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, and CEIST), have therefore agreed that it is an opportune time, in collaboration with each of the school communities, to explore together current and future Catholic secondary educational provision in Longford and surrounding areas.
"A consultation process is now commencing which will seek to gather the views of boards of management, staff, students and parents, including primary school parents.
"This process will be guided by an independent facilitator, Mr Frank Smith.
"The Patrons have no pre-determined outcome in mind, and wish to have an honest conversation with boards of management, staff, students and parents in both schools, and the parents of future post-primary students, about the future of Catholic post-primary education provision in the area.
"The views of local education partners will guide the Patrons in any future decisions."