Richard Bruton
Question:1173 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange for the appointment of a 12th teacher to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [1348/01]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
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 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 current staffing of this particular school is a principal and 11 mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 320 at 30 September 1999. The school also has the services of a learning support teacher. The enrolment at 30 September 2000, on which the staffing for the 2001-02 school year is based, was 317. Under the existing staffing schedule, this enrolment would not entitle the school to an additional post for the next school year.
However, the above school has the option of examining its position in relation to its developing status. The awarding of a developing school post is conditional on a school satisfying specific cri teria, which are outlined annually in a circular to schools. The criteria that applied to obtain a developing school post in the current school year were outlined in Circular 11/00. The criteria applicable for the 2001-02 school year will be outlined to boards of management shortly. If the board of management, having examined the criteria, is satisfied that an additional post as a developing school is warranted, it should notify the primary payments branch of my Department.