📚🚨 SCHOOL CLOSURE ALERT 🚨📚
King Henry VIII 3-19 School in Abergavenny is set to close its doors next week as teachers prepare to strike over budget issues. The school, recently relocated to a shiny new £70m building, faces a staggering £2.3m deficit. Teachers from the National Education Union (NEU) are taking a stand, calling out the lack of effective action taken to handle this crisis.
NEU’s Robert Goddard voiced concerns about potential job losses, particularly among support staff, and the freezing of teachers’ additional payments. The union’s committed to reaching a fair agreement, but their patience is running thin as they strive to protect existing job conditions.
Monmouthshire Council has proposed a lengthy eight-year plan to tackle the deficit, a move they acknowledge isn’t ideal but necessary. The council stresses they’re in full swing to work with the school’s leaders to find a solution, urging the community for patience as they navigate this challenging situation.
The closures, planned for 11th, 12th, and later days in March, are expected to affect most students, causing disruption that the council sincerely regrets. Safety and continuity remain top priorities for everyone involved.
This strike followed previous action on March 5, showing the teaching staff’s determination. The call for fairness continues as the educational sector faces squeezed budgets across Wales.
Parents, carers, and pupils, stay tuned for updates, and thank you for your understanding as the school and council work towards a resolution. Let’s hope for a swift and positive outcome for our community! 🙌📘 #SchoolStrike #EducationMatters #CommunitySupport