Kilnamanagh National School could lose a teacher due to changes in Department of Education policy. Pic: Christy Farrell.

Eighteen pupils at Kilnamanagh National School could lose 50% of the teaching staff next year because of a controversial Department of Education teacher per pupil ratio that has increased annually over the past four years.

Next year the two-teacher state-of-the art school could be reduced to having a single teacher.

This is not good news for the community and every avenue is being explored to maintain the current situation.

Consequently, Kilnamanagh is actively seeking enrolments in a determined effort to prevent the loss of a staff member and retain the current high standard that exists at the rural school located on the Wexford-Gorey road, near Kilmuckridge.

Government Chief Whip, Paul Kehoe, T.D., confirmed that he has raised the matter of the future of Kilnamanagh National School with the Department of Education directly through Minister Jan O’Sullivan, T.D. and that he has received correspondence from parents with children attending the school who are emphasising the importance of the school and its rural location.

The School Principal, Loraine Rosler, has also brought correspondence before the Minister.

Currently, Kilnamanagh has 18 names on the rolls, which slimly falls short of the newly required numbers defined by the Department that could mean that the school stays open indefinitely and continue to serve the community, however, it could potentially revert to a single teacher school, which is not what either the teachers or the parents of the pupils would want.

Although Kilnamanagh National School is under the patronage of the Church of Ireland, it is all inclusive and pupils from other faiths are welcome.

Full story this week in THE GOREY ECHO.