Ready to Listen : Ready to Act

Cardiff Post Article June 2006

The appointment of School Governors should not be an issue where party politics can determine the outcome.

 

As a Councillor in Rhiwbina, I have great pleasure in being the Chairman of Greenhill Special School and a Governor at Rhiwbeina Primary School.  Both schools have excellent governors who play a full part in supporting the school.

 

Existing Governors who want to stand for another term simply indicate their intention to the Council and their nomination goes forward to the Council for their consideration.  In my view, it is not the done thing to oppose an existing Governor; especially one who has given a tremendous commitment to the school for a considerable period of time. 

 

I was shocked and appalled to see that the Tories had decided to contest the nomination against an existing Rhiwbeina Primary School governor.  The two nominations went forward to the Council in May, and as the Tory nomination had not submitted a form, the existing Governors' nomination was proposed by an Executive Member from the Liberal Democrats.  All Councillors said “aye”, which, in my view, would signify that the election had been made, but no, there was further debate, and it was decided to refer the matter back to the next meeting, ignoring the fact, in my opinion, that the Governor had been appointed by the full Council.

 

Just before the Council meeting in June, the Tory nomination decided to submit the relevant form.  I was amazed to see the same Liberal Democrat Executive Member vote against the person he had proposed the last time, and voted, as is normally the case, with the Tories.

 

This matter will not be going away, and further discussions will be had with the Governing Body on the process.  A request has been made for the DVD of the meeting.  This request was denied.  This is democracy at its worst.

 

I am looking forward to the Rhiwbina Festival which I am sure will be a superb success as ever.  My ward colleague, Adrian Robson, and I are having a surgery on the 1st July outside Rhiwbina Library, between 10.30am – 12.30pm.  Please pop along for a juice and some chocolates and enjoy the Rhiwbina Festival.