FINALLY some sun at last this week – but it’s only a couple of weeks now until the summer holidays draw to a close and the children of Glasgow face a daunting reality.  

The city’s schools are set to reopen with a staggering deficit of 172 teachers, the result of ruthless budget cuts by the SNP and Green Glasgow City Council.  

This shocking reduction in teaching staff is a direct consequence of mismanagement and fiscal austerity measures, and it underscores a deepening inequality that continues to plague our city.

The absence of these educators is not just a number on a spreadsheet; it is a profound loss that will resonate through the classrooms and corridors of our schools. Fewer teachers mean larger class sizes, diminished individual attention for students, and a reduction in the quality of education that our children receive.  

This is a crisis that demands our immediate attention and collective outrage.

What is even more appalling is the manner in which these cuts were executed. There was a blatant disregard for transparency and consultation. Parents and teachers, the very stakeholders who are directly affected by these decisions, were kept in the dark. There was no meaningful dialogue, no opportunity for input or objection. This exclusionary approach is deeply disrespectful to the communities that our schools serve.

Adding insult to injury, there is growing evidence that the promises made by council officers regarding the MCR Pathways program were nothing more than hollow reassurances. This programme, which has been a lifeline for many vulnerable students, has been slashed amid assurances that a cut to the budget would not affect the numbers of children benefitting from it, yet there is yet to be one bit of evidence to show that this will be the case.  

The silence from the council on this matter is deafening and unacceptable.

In response to this egregious situation, I have taken the step of writing to the director of education, demanding a thorough explanation. It is imperative that we understand how such critical decisions were made and what measures, if any, will be taken to mitigate the damage.  

Our children’s futures are at stake, and we cannot afford to sit idly by while their educational opportunities are dismantled.

This is not just a local issue; it is a reflection of a broader trend of growing inequality. The disparity between well-resourced and underfunded schools is widening, creating a two-tier education system that disadvantages the most vulnerable students. It is a betrayal of the fundamental principle that every child deserves an equal chance to succeed.

In the midst of our local struggle, our thoughts are also with the community of Southport, which is facing its own tragedies over the last two days. Our hearts go out to all the families during this difficult time. God bless all of them.

As we prepare for the new school year, let us not lose sight of the bigger picture. The education of our children is a cornerstone of our society, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it is protected and nurtured. We must hold those in the administration accountable for their decisions and advocate tirelessly for a fair and equitable education system.

The current state of affairs is a stark reminder of what is at stake. We must continue to fight for our children’s right to a quality education – the future of Glasgow’s children depends on it.