Shawbost school debate 26/6/08
Shawbost school won its reprieve after the Lionel vote. By this time a number of councillors were reluctant to leave one rural secondary open while shutting others. They were aware that a motion to this effect was due to take place and much of the debate during the Shawbost issue touched on this.
Angus McCormack pointed out that retention was not in the "best interest of our children.
"No matter how impassioned people are about their schools that does not mean their arguments are right. Educationally S1 / S6 is the best option. There is no other way to allow pupils to move at their own levels.
Iain Morrison said that Shawbost has probably one of the best Gaelic provision with five subjects through Gaelic medium
He pointed out that pupils from Gearrannan in Carloway had even further to travel to Stornoway than Ness children.
He referred to the aim for 21st Century schools: "Why move children from the buildings they are in just to now to go into a temporary building site."
Convenor Alex Macdonald said he voted to close Shawbost at the education committee last week.
The school is not in his ward but is the traditional secondary school for the Carloway district of his electorate.
He said: "I was taken to task by my electorate because I had voted to keep Lochs school open. I attend a meeting last night and had more representation in this week and last than in my 25 years in the council.”
He added: "I said I would reflect the views of the people of Carloway as the same I did for the people of North Lochs.
But Morag Munro stressed: "We are failing our children unless we confront all the issues facing us."
Convenor Alex Macdonald was forced to use his casting vote over the issue after Back councillor Kenny Maciver abstained. Mr Maciver was one of the last on the roll call and it was clear it could be a tied decision. After undertaking a U-turn to support Shawbost school with his initial vote Mr Macdonald was forced to repeat the action and make the final decision to save the school.
