The staffing of a primary school for a particular year is determined by reference to the number of pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September of the previous year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule is determined for a particular year following discussions with the managerial authorities and the INTO.
The enrolment in the school referred to was 508 pupils on 30 September 1999. The number of pupils required to retain the 18th mainstream class teacher for the 2000-01 school year is 510. Accordingly, the school will lose the 18th mainstream class teacher at the end of the current school year. If the board of management of the school are confident that the overall enrolment of the school on 30 September 2000 will be in excess of 538 pupils, they may apply to the primary payments branch of my Department for the allocation of a post under the "developing school" status.
The details regarding the granting of a teaching post under the "developing school" status are outlined in circular 11/00, which my Department will issue to the board of management of the school in the near future.
With regard to accommodation, if the school feels that it has a requirement for an additional classroom, it should bring this matter to the attention of the planning and building unit of my Department in Tullamore.