NAPD raise concerns around the proposed expansion of School Books Scheme to Senior Cycle without specialist administrative supports for principals
Principals do not feel that adequate specialist administrative supports are in place to deliver the current Scheme, let alone expand to Senior Cycle
While wholeheartedly welcoming the School Books Scheme, principals have struggled navigating a complex EU procurement process, the added administrative burden, and absence of support during the summer months.
Concerns are growing over the increasing specialist administrative burden that has been absorbed by Principals and Deputies which is diverting attention from core educational duties.
NAPD reiterates its call to Minister for Education, Norma Foley, to appoint an administrative officer with specialist expertise to assist schools and reduce the workload on school leaders as it reaches crises level.
NAPD Director Paul Crone expressed growing concern over the situation, noting that the “administrative demands are distracting from principals' primary role of Leading Teaching and Learning, Managing the Organisation, Leading School Development and Building Leadership Capacity.”
The National Association of Principals and Deputies (NAPD) has warned that the expansion of School Books Scheme to Senior Cycle is unrealistic, unless proper specialist administrative supports are put in place for principals.
Principals have welcomed the Scheme, which supports students, parents and families through the reduction in costs associated with the school year, and said it is a step in the right direction for Irish schools and free education that is offered by the state.
However, the additional administrative burden placed on principals and school leaders this year raises concerns as to the sustainability of the Scheme. Across the country, principals have struggled with the additional workload involved, including a complex EU tendering process.
Comments by Minister Norma Foley regarding the expansion of the School Books Scheme to Senior Cycle students have further raised concerns among school leaders as to the long-term sustainability of the initiative. This year, in order to ensure the successful roll out of the Junior Cycle book scheme, Principals and Deputies worked tirelessly, and often alone during the summer months to make this happen. In the absence of further supports going forward, principals will be unable to shoulder the additional responsibilities necessary for continued success of this initiative.
The NAPD acknowledges the continued support of Department of Education personnel in supporting schools, but principals continue to highlight that a complicated procurement process is proving to be a significant obstacle.
While the NAPD fully supports the Scheme, which aims to provide free books to all post-primary students—an effort that will alleviate financial pressure on families and ensure equitable access to essential learning resources—the success of the scheme depends on principals’ ability to navigate the complex procurement eTenders process, evaluating bids, navigating supplier relationships, managing the budget allocation and preparing for audit and compliance evaluations.
Unfortunately, this responsibility still falls solely on the shoulders of principals, alongside the multitude of other responsibilities and tasks in preparing for the upcoming school year.
NAPD Director Paul Crone expressed growing concern over the situation, noting that the administrative demands are detracting from principals' primary role of engaging with students, parents, and the broader school community:
"Earlier this year, we flagged that a number of schools around the country were facing a massive uphill battle, school leaders yet again have gone above and beyond the remit of their role to ensure the School Book Scheme is up and running before the return of the school year.
"Expanding the school books scheme to senior cycle while the senior cycle undergoes significant redevelopment requires careful consideration. Subject specifications are changing and alternative means of assessment are being discussed. Students at senior cycle require additional flexibility compared to Junior Cycle students. Schools currently do not have the capacity to continue to deliver on the current Junior Cycle scheme without thinking about expanding it to Senior Cycle.
"We are once again appealing to Minister for Education, Norma Foley, to urgently consider providing specialist administrative support to post-primary schools."
ENDS
For Media Enquiries Contact: Niamh Kinsella | niamh.kinsella@finnparters.com | 087 921 9711
