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Guernsey's top politician, Deputy Gavin St Pier, says it was right for his committee to support research into a set of alternative proposals for secondary education in Guernsey.
Speaking at yesterday's Chamber of Commerce lunch, the P&R President acknowledged the few people who have criticised the committee for taking an active role in the debate so far.
Deputy St Pier admits he had previously supported a three school model of secondary education but as time has gone on it has become "clearer to many in the States, that this once in a generation opportunity should be taken to consider other approaches - a two-school model, or a single school on two sites".
He says the so called 'gang of four' needed P&R support to ensure the island makes the right decision, during the next debate on the future of our schools which is due to start on Wednesday 17 January: "A number of Deputies were prepared to lead that work - the so-called Alternative Model - and the Policy & Resources Committee provided the additional funding requested by Education to enable them to support this work.
There are some who have criticised the Policy & Resources Committee for providing that support. Not many, but some. My question to them is this: "would the better approach to have been to shrug our shoulders as a government and say "sorry, but we don't have the inclination or resources to ensure that we make the best possible decision"?"
Deputy St Pier told the Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting that the Policy & Resources Committee's support has "ensured that the fullest possible set of options, at this stage, can be looked at. It has, in my view, played a part in keeping the focus on children and not buildings; on outcomes and not architecture".
Pictured: Deputy St Pier speaking at a previous Chamber of Commerce lunch
The P&R President says our parents, teachers and the whole community needs to know what structure of secondary education is going to follow the current selective system and the States need to show collective leadership:
"Please be assured. When a decision is made, we will ensure that the transition to the new model is resourced fully. But before we can plan for transition, we need to make a decision as to what we are transitioning to.
I have said many times that value for money is not about the cheapest model - but the one that will produce best outcomes in the long term". He added:"If we do not, we will rightly lose the faith of parents and teachers across the community.
"If we do, we can set a tone for government for the remainder of 2018 - that we are prepared to bhe bold, brave and have the courage of our convictions".
Deputy St Pier also spoke about the economic vision for the island, which was prepared under the guidance of former Economic Development President, Deputy Peter Ferbrache which his successor, Deputy charles Parkinson is expected to withdraw before it is debated.
Brexit and closer working links with Jersey were also discussed.
You can read his full statement here.
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