Hold referendum to end discussion on ESC’s plans

ESC states that there have been no alternatives put forward to their plans. Hold on, was there not a public consultation some four years ago, where over 60% of the respondents were in favour of retaining selective education?

This was ignored by ESC, who deemed it ‘advisory’. It clearly does not fit Deputy Fallaize’s model, which has always been the creation of a comprehensive system, and one that operates as one school on two sites.

The island should have been given a referendum at the time, with a choice between a selective system and a one-school/two-sites model. Approximate costings should also have been provided. Such a referendum would have cost the island a pittance of the amount since spent on advancing the plans for the new ‘model’. The outcome of such a referendum would have ended the discussion and provided peace and harmony. Instead we now have division, acrimony and for many a distrust of the politicians whose salaries we, the public, pay.

Before we move forward, we should have a referendum or at least let the election take place. But no, ESC are putting the plans out to tender. Why the hurry? Only one conclusion, and that is Deputy Fallaize and his colleagues are not prepared to listen to the public, let alone the teachers who do not want large schools. They want everything in place before the election so that the new States members have their hands tied. Many will think this reeks of a dictatorship.

Had matters been sorted by way of a referendum three or four years ago, as mentioned above, we would not be at this stage now. Had the island chosen to stay as before, there would have been no need to commit £70m. to the new schools. There has also been mention of a further £40m. being spent on surrounding land, as there is insufficient land for the extended schools. Many States members seem to think that the ordinary, hard-working individual is a bottomless pit when it comes to money. Of course it is not their money that is being spent.

Could I also mention the subject of parents who have children in primary schools? Some have complained about the uncertainty the delays are causing. These delays, I agree, are unacceptable. If the one-school/two-sites model fails, not only will their children’s education be impacted, but so will all future generations. Have the parents who do not live close to the new schools reviewed the traffic plans and, if so, decided how they plan to get their children to school? I can only comment on the plans for Les Beaucamps, as I live in Castel.

The plans merely cover Les Beaucamps, not the immediate surrounding areas. This is no plan to improve the infrastructure near the school (at what cost?). As Les Beaucamps Road is, I believe, to be closed to traffic in the mornings and afternoons, all the adjacent roads will be gridlocked. Do parents who wish or need to drive their children to school have the time available? What will happen to students’ punctuality?

I just wish we had more honesty, integrity and leadership from States members.

JOHN PETERS

Address withheld.