School boundary fight

AN Invergowrie councillor has seven minutes to try to persuade Dundee City Council to change its policy on excluding secondary pupils from the town going to Harris Academy.

Controversial boundary changes provoked fury from Invergowrie parents after they learned the proposals would end any chances of their secondary kids from attending Harris.

As things stand, pupils living in Invergowrie – part of Perth and Kinross Council rather than Dundee City – would have a choice between Harris and Perth Academies. But under the new plans set out by council leader John Alexander, Harris Academy’s feeder primary schools would be realigned as part of a change in catchment areas.

That would mean Invergowrie pupils would not be automatically eligible for a place at Harris and have to travel to Perth instead – 21 miles away.

Invergowrie Conservative councillor, Angus Forbes, pictured, will now break council boundaries himself after clinching a slot at Dundee City Council’s education committee meeting on Monday, to put forward protests by his constituents in a bid to change the plans.

He said: “I represent my constituents at Perth and Kinross Council, although I have managed to get on to the deputation council and speak at the committee meeting of Dundee City Council.

“I’ll be trying to persuade them to make an amendment and I’ll have seven minutes to do so.

“We do deputation council representation at Perth and Kinross and it is fairly normal, but what is slightly unusual is to have that from a neighbouring council. I am also trying to persuade a representative of Invergowrie Parents Council to come along.

“It is a difficult issue for parents and their concern is getting to Perth Academy with an extra 25 minutes travel time on the bus.

“I have two questions to ask Dundee City Council and the first is to ask them to change their proposal for Invergowrie and, secondly, what would happen with siblings already at Harris? I know they could put in a placing request.

“I was quite pleased to see John Swinney put out a tweet on Friday in support of Invergowrie constituents given that he is the education secretary.”

Courtney McGregor, who has children at Invergowrie Primary and Harris, said: “Why after all these years does it have to change now? Why close a school (Menzieshill High) and expand the catchment area only to remove our community?

“It is the closest school for our children to attend, and an area they know. Harris has facilitated Invergowrie children for years and should continue to do so.”

During Mr Alexander’s briefing, it was also revealed Craigie High and Braeview Academy could merge and be housed in a new super campus.

The views of parents will also be sought on that proposal when the consultation period begins on February 10.

Councillor Stewart Hunter said: “At committee next Monday all we are seeking to do is go out and consult on the proposal. If this is agreed, parents will be able to take part in the consultation and have their views heard.

“With regards to children going to different schools, should this proposal be approved then Invergowrie pupils with a sibling at Harris will be given a place at Harris.”