Answers are needed before school closes
The Shropshire Star
I was most interested to read John Simcock's article on the possible closure of Apley Park School and feel that the education committee should have to answer the following points before they even think of closure.
1 - Are the savings needed to meet the new cuts in education expenses needed now, or in two or three years time, which is when the closure of the school would benefit the county Finances?
An asset
By this time the economic climate may well have changed for the better,and the county would have lost what many people think is an asset.
2 - Has the committee worked out how much it would cost to restore the school to its former state as a country house, how much the lease has run, and how much would have to be paid to break it?
3 - How many boys from special backgrounds would have to be placed at new schools and in care if the school closes, and how much more is that going to cost the county?
4 - What value does the county place on a boy who is a social misfit being changed into a good citizen by his time spent at this school?
5 - Have the county sounded out public opinion as to whether more people are prepared to pay the £15 per week to keep a boy at the school, for what in my opinion is much more than just a secondary modern education
Adjust
These boys show a self-confidence and self-reliance not shown by pupils from a day school, they are also able to live with other people, being able to adjust to the pressures this causes.
They are all proud of their school and consider it an honour, to represent their school at all sports and in any other way they can.
6 - What other cuts are the education budget committee making to meet the county budget committee's requirements
7 - If the school closes, what will happen to all the equipment which has been bought and paid for by monies raised by the very active PTA, who could, I am sure, do even more to help the schools finances if asked?
PETER S. ALLISON
(parent of a boy at the school)
The Oaklands,
Edstaston,
Wem.
Thank you Peter Allison
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