School governor resigns in Penmaenmawr

Oct 6 2011 by Rayyan Parry, North Wales Weekly News

A TOWN councillor has resigned as a school governor amid controversial plans to transform the language status of a primary school.

Deputy mayor Kathryn Beard resigned as governor of Ysgol Pencae earlier this month after plans to transform the Graiglwyd Road primary from a dual-stream to a Welsh language school were approved.

“The role is not an easy one. In any school the buck stops with the governors, and there is tremendous pressure on individuals who take governors’ roles to operate in accordance with the law,” said Cllr Beard, who served as the town council representative on the board of governors.

“I enjoyed my time as governor and believe I have contributed to ensure it is regarded as one of the best schools locally.”

Cllr Beard was accused of voting in favour of the plan to change from dual-stream to Welsh by fellow councillors last month when she took part in the governing body’s ballot.

Councillors believed she should have voted in line with the town council view not to change the school’s status.

Now the town council will discuss a new representative to serve as a governor at its next meeting on October 18.

A month-long period of consultation for people to object to the plans started this week. Parents are invited to make their views known at pencae@conwy.gov.uk. The final decision rests with the Welsh Government.