Pushed into a corner – could school minibuses be centralised?

Dept insists schools will have freedom of choice

Island parents are set for a collision course with government ministers after plans were unveiled to place school minibuses in a centralised pool.

It would mean vehicles, which have been bought at a number of schools through a combination of fundraisers, parent associations and donations, could be taken off individual schools and placed into the infrastructure department’s fleet.

They then would be made available to all schools on a first come, first served basis.

It’s believed the move could save the department around £500,000 annually.

However, the department insists the school will have absolute freedom of choice and has made it clear any minibus provided by a charity or owned by a school can stay in school ownership, so long as they operate and maintain it.

The department says some schools use buses so intensively they will still need a vehicle effectively full time; others will be asked to allow others to use it as they need to.

Kirree Jenkins from the Friends of Arbory School, one of those affected, acknowledges budgets are tight and is encouraged Rushen MHK Phil Gawne has offered to meet concerned parents later this week.

Mrs Jenkins says a number of schools are facing similar situation and parents are urged to contact the Friends of Arbory School by the end of today (Monday) if they’re unhappy with the planned centralisation.