Commission on Rural Education
The first meeting of the Commission on Rural Education took place in Edinburgh this morning.
Speaking after the meeting Cabinet Secretary for Education Michael Russell said:
“This has been a very constructive first session of the Commission on Rural Education. In June, I announced that legislation governing the closure of schools in rural areas would be looked at closely and that there would be recommendations on best practice on the delivery of education in rural areas.
“The group is tasked with delivering precisely that. This is the first step on a long journey, but I’d like to thank Sheriff David Sutherland for his professional chairing of the meeting and Commission members for taking part.
“Over the coming months, members will be getting out and about to rural Scotland to hear about the issues for themselves. There will be plenty of opportunities to submit views and I would urge everyone with an interest to contribute to the Commission’s work.”
COSLA President Councillor Pat Watters said:
“I am delighted that we have had such a positive first meeting of the Commission, and it is clear that the Commission will benefit from having experienced and knowledgeable members who share a passion for the successful delivery of education in rural areas.
“There is no more important outcome for local government than the provision of the best possible education to our children, and I am confident that the Commission will engage and listen to the broad range of stakeholders as they explore how we can deliver this outcome in our rural areas.”
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