MEARNS Community Council have warmly welcomed the fact that a new-build Mearns Academy is firmly contained within Aberdeenshire Council's capital plan and have called on the government to come up with the funding which would make a new school a reality.
Provost Bill Howatson briefed Monday's meeting of the community council on the terms of Aberdeenshire's capital plan for the next 15 years, which was approved in principle on June 12.
He explained that £300,000 has been allocated to Mearns Acade
my in 09/10 and a further £700,000 earmarked for 10/11.
This money is for the purchase of additional land for the new school and community complex as well as the preparation of architectural drawings and associated matters.
The council would like to build a new Mearns Academy during the years 11/12 and 12/13 with a proposed expenditure of £18,835,000 in each of these years.
The council are seeking to build four new secondary schools at a cost of between £40 million and £50 million each, money which it currently does not have.
The Provost said that dialogue will continue with the Scottish Government to get additional funding. The view of officers is that this is likely to come on stream in 2011, so that is why preparatory work for Mearns must continue.
"A new Mearns Academy is now stitched in to our forward capital plan."
A new Alford Academy has moved ahead of Mearns Academy in Aberdeenshire Council's priority list, but it too needs the necessary funding.
Alford has the necessary land, with a 25 acre site obtained through planning gain and there are also plans to sell the current asset at a later date.
"Our intention is to take forward Mearns Academy, but it is equally clear that we do not have the capital funding."
Community councillor Alan Mowat, a member of the Mearns Academy Parent Forum commented: "This is good news. Mearns Academy is clearly No 2 in the council's plans and while I am sad we are not No 1, it is a step forward.
"The question is who pays for the building, the council or the government?
"If the council pays for Alford (from its own resouces), the government may say that is setting a precedent. If that happens we will never get a new school.
"There is a reasonable chance that the government will come up with some sort of 'private money' in the next couple of years. If they do and the council don't have the money for Alford, will they move the goalposts?
"It should be made clear that the first private finance available pays for Mearns."
Mr Mowat called for a change to the catchment area boundaries between Mearns and Mackie.
"At the moment there is a policy of keeping the Mearns roll to 610-620, preventing pupils from outwith the area joining.
"Mackie is getting overcrowded, so the catchment areas could be changed."
Mr Mowat said he was part of a group of parents who toured Mearns Academy two weeks previously.
"The fabric of the place is old and obsolete, but the atmosphere and behaviour of the pupils was exemplary and they did the school proud.
"I think the school operates so brilliantly because of the adversity of the buildings."
Academy Rector Ian Parkin said: "Things are looking positive compared to a year ago. Some money has been earmarked and it is now confirmed that the only option for Mearns is a new building.
"A new Mearns Academy is several years away at best and we will continue to manage the school on that basis. People say to me we are getting a new school, but I say 'What new school?'
"A new school will be very much a community facility and there must be engagement as a community until everything is nailed and confirmed.
"The atmosphere of the school is something we work hard at and I am greatful for the support from the community on this issue."
Chairman David Nelson added: "We have got to get it right. We must get a community facility which benefits everyone."
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