Moray councillors have agreed that parents should have a major say in plans aimed at rezoning the catchment areas for several schools in Elgin.
Education chiefs had warned that overcrowding in primary schools would become a serious issue over the next few years unless action was taken to address the problem.
Members of the children and young people’s services committee agreed proposals that a wide-ranging consultation was required that would also involve Education Scotland. They were warned that four of Elgin’s six primary schools will exceed their capacities by 2018 unless action was taken.
The local authority will seek to rezone the areas for Bishopmill, New Elgin, East End and Seafield primary schools in the town – while they will also look at Greenwards and West End primaries. Part of plans to deal with the issue will include the building of two new primary schools in the north of Elgin but these would not be ready until 2020.
Committee members were in complete agreement that an extensive consultation on the issue should run from April 13 until May 29. This would draw in the views of parent councils, trade unions, school staff and other interested community groups.
In addition an online survey will be established while four public meetings will be held – the first at Bishopmill Primary on Monday, April 13 (7pm).
Meeting will then be held at New Elgin Primary and the Ashgrove Hall on April 16 (7pm), with two further meetings in the Elgin Town Hall on April 27 at 2pm and 7pm.