Making the difference – involving parents better in schools

SSBA Question 1

Do you believe there is any need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988, or do you think that parental representation could be modernised by merely ‘tweaking’ the Act ?

"1”, “Is modernisation necessary?"

"2”, “There is no need to repeal the School Boards Act as tweaks that would improve the current framework can be achieved within existing legislation."

"3”, “No need for repeal of the 1988 Act - minor tweaking is all that is required"

"4”, “School Boards are ok, don't think they should be repealed, tweaking may be an improvement"

"5”, “No need to repeal the Act - merely tweak it"

"6”, “Repeal required"

"7”, “Do not need a repeal of Act - modernisation and 'tweaking' only needed"

"8”, “"

"9”, “No need for repeal"

"10”, “We feel the SSBA 1988 doesn't need changed"

"11”, “"

"12”, “Absolutely no need for repeal of the 1988 Act.  Tweaking is sufficient"

"13”, “could be modernised"

"14”, “Tweaking is all that is necessary within the School Boards (Scotland)
Act 1988.  We as a board are very uneasy about the Draft Scottish Schools Bill 2005"

"15”, “No need to repeal - tweak current Act"

"16”, “Believe that there is a need to revise the Act to encourage more parental representation"

"17”, “"

"18”, “Parental representation/involvement could be modernised by 'tweaking'"

"19”, “No - it should not be repealed and yes should be modernised"

"20”, “'Tweaking' the current Act could achieve the improvements being sought"

"21”, “Revision necessary"

"22”, “Tweaking the Act is likely to suffice but the establishment of Parent Forums could be used as an opportunity to canvas parents and promote their involvement"

"23”, “Tweaking the Act would be sufficient"

"24”, “We don't believe the Act should be repealed.  Our members feel the Act can be tweaked to bring it up to date.  The election process is too formal and the 4 year term of office is too lengthy and off-putting"

"25”, “No need to repeal,  parental representation could be modernised"

"26”, “There is no need o repeal the School Board Act"

"27”, “Act should not be repealed"

"28”, “"

"29”, “Tweaking the Act to make it less 'formal' and elections less cumbersome"

"30”, “There is no need for repeal. The sort of ""tweaking"" noted should address the main issues"

"31”, “"

"32”, “Modernisation would be sufficient"

"33”, “We do not see a need to repeal the 1988 Act - refer to the answer to question 5 below"

"34”, “There is no need for repeal of School Board (Scotland) Act 1988. Parental representation could be modernised by merely 'tweaking' the Act"

"35”, “No need for repeal - parental representation is maximised at (our) High School"

"36”, “The Act could be improved by minor adjustments"

"37”, “No change to School Boards (Scotland) Act 1998"

"38”, “Tweaking"

"39”, “I think tweaking the Act is all that is necessary"

"40”, “"

"41”, “No - there is no need to repeal Act nor is there a need for modernisation.  Labour believe in control from the centre - do they really think they know better than parents?"

"42”, “"

"43”, “Tweaking - not repealing"

"44”, “Tweaking sufficient"

"45”, “Feel Act could be tweaked"

"46”, “Tweaking sufficient"

"47”, “Whole rethink - possible amendment to current Act advisable"

"48”, “Yes the Act should be repealed - many parents feel School Boards are elitist and do not involve the majority of parents"

"49”, “No - we believe that the existing arrangements for School Boards works well - at least in our experience in a small rural community"

"50”, “Tweaking would do"

"51”, “Tweak the Act - not broken don't fix it"

"52”, “No - The School Board Act needs to be made more flexible with more local control - it needs a tweak not repealing"

"53”, “Absolutely no need to repeal the Act. It is working well"

"54”, “"

"55”, “"

"56”, “"

"57”, “Tweak only - too much time is wasted and too much money spent on a repeal"

"58”, “"

"59”, “Absolutely not.  The Act 1988 works well.  If it was tweaked to make School Boards less formal this would make it easier to get parents involved.  The new legislation is only going to put parents off"

"60”, “"

"61”, “"

"62”, “As a School Board it is our view that the existing Act should be amended to deal with those areas in need of modernising, for example the cumbersome election process and Board membership"

"63”, “We think that parental representation could be modernised by merely ""tweaking"" the Act"

"64”, “Tweaking sufficient"

"65”, “"

"66”, “No need to repeal"

"67”, “"

"68”, “There is no need for repeal - there is also no need for 'tweaking'"

"69”, “"

"70”, “We do not believe there is any need for repeal of the SB Act 1988.  Parental representation could be modernised by merely 'tweaking' the Act."

"71”, “Repeal - no - School Board Act can be modernised by tweaking"

"72”, “No need at all for repeal"

"73”, “I see no need for a repeal and would leave the system as it is today"

"74”, “No need for repeal - tweaking would do"

"75”, “We believe in some modernisation of the current Act to simplify the election process would be favourable."

"76”, “Parental representation is an important issue - could be done by tweaking the Act"

"77”, “"

"78”, “There is no need to repeal the 1988 Act.  It could be looked at to see what improvements could be made."

"79”, “"

"80”, “Alterations to existing Act would suffice"

"81”, “I fully believe that parental representation should continue by 'tweaking' the existing Act"

"82”, “(Our) Primary School Board is of the view that there is no need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988 and that modernisation could be achieved by tweaking the existing Act as opposed to going for wholesale change.
"

"83”, “"

"84”, “No need for repeal - just amend as necessary"

"85”, “"

"86”, “"

"87”, “"

"88”, “Revision and amendment with updating are required and useful and to be applauded.  The current framework is however robust and an amended and reviewed version of this should be considered rather than the proposed bill in its current form."

"89”, “"

"90”, “I do not believe there is any need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988"

"91”, “No need for repeal - tweaking appropriate"

"92”, “"

"93”, “The Bill should be 'tweaked' and not completely repealed."

"94”, “No, we see no need to repeal act."

"95”, “"

"96”, “We would like a \tweaking' of the Act"

"97”, “Definitely agree that the act needs 'tweaking' rather than repealing."

"98”, “No, it can't be modernised by merely 'tweaking' the Act."

"99”, “No repeal necessary.  'Tweaking' in relation to election to Board perhaps."

"100”, “'Tweaking the A ct'"

"101”, “Yes, we need the change."

"102”, “We do not see any need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988."

"103”, “There has been no pressure from parents indicating a need to repeal the Act.  If there was evidence that parents felt a lack of representation a case could be made for amending the act as a school board / PTA, we are not aware of such evidence."

"104”, “'Tweaking' the Act would be sufficient.  It is a system that works well particularly at Primary School levels."

"105”, “No, the act should not be repealed but should be tweaked."

"106”, “Feel the present system is adequate."

"107”, “No, I don't believe there is any need for the repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act"

"108”, “No, we believe any changes could be made within the existing act."

"109”, “""Tweaking"""

"110”, “We feel the 1988 Act should be 'tweaked' to modernise it - rather than a repeal."

"111”, “School Boards work well and a little tweaking to bring them into 21st Century is all that is required instead of wasting all this time & money for what I expect will be little if any gain."

"112”, “No"

"113”, “No need fro repeal"

"114”, “Repeal not necessary - a change of existing school boards would suffice."

"115”, “""Tweaking"" would be sufficient"

"116”, “I believed the Act could be ""tweaked""."

"117”, “'Tweaking' would be sufficient."

"118”, “I do not think that there is any need for repeal of the School Board (Scotland) Act 1988.  I think that 'tweaking' the Act would be preferable."

"119”, “I don't believe there is need for repeal, but as an active school board member, would be open to some modernisation."

"120”, “No"

"121”, “Do not consider that there is a need to repeal the existing act.  Improvements could be achieved through amendments to act."

"122”, “We feel there is no need to repeal the School Boards ( Scotland) Act 1988, ""tweaking"" the Act would be sufficient."

"123”, “'Tweaking"" e.g. remove elections."

"124”, “Leave alone"

"125”, “No"

"126”, “I do not believe that the Act needs to be repealed though there are some simplification of points could be helpful and so would some enforcement of school board powers."

"127”, “Modernise by ""tweaking"" the Act."

"128”, “"

"129”, “No, we are of the opinion that the act could be modernised by ""tweaking"" the act e.g. to make election procedures more parent friendly."

"130”, “No need for repeal and any changes can readily be achieved by 'tweaking' the existing legislation."

"131”, “We think our board works well."

"132”, “Yes"

"133”, “I believe modernising the Act will strengthen links as well as ""doing away with the more formal parts""."

"134”, “Tweaking"

"135”, “School Boards should not be repealed but a 'tweaking' of the Act for them to be modernised would benefit everyone concerned."

"136”, “Tweaking"

"137”, “No need to repeal school boards act but definitely a need to modernise current legislation."

"138”, “Could be modernised through modification."

"139”, “No"

"140”, “No need to repeal.  Parental representation - by tweaking."

"141”, “The Act could be tweaked."

"142”, “No"

"143”, “NO need to repeal current act, just amend current legislation."

"144”, “"

"145”, “We feel there is no need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act but that parental representation could be modernised by ""Tweaking the Act""."

"146”, “No need to repeal Act"

"147”, “Tweaking the Act would be sufficient to modernise.  The Act. should NOT be repealed."

"148”, “Yes"

"149”, “"

"150”, “No repeal"

"151”, “No to repeal
Yes to tweaking"

"152”, “Repeal - No
Tweak - Yes"

"153”, “Parental representation could be modernised"

"154”, “No"

"155”, “As we have been living in the UK for less than a year and have no experience of working with school boards, we do not feel qualified to give an opinion at this point in time."

"156”, “We feel 'tweaking' the Act would be more cost effective and removing the election process might generate more parental interest.  Do not wholly believe that there is any need for repeal of School Board."

"157”, “No"

"158”, “"

"159”, “No need for repeal of School Board Act 1988
Yes tweak existing Act"

"160”, “No, I believe the existing school board system is fine as it stands."

"161”, “The Act should not be repealed.  But should be modernised."

"162”, “No need to repeal; bring up to date by any necessary 'tweaking'."

"163”, “No.  We do not believe there is any need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988.
Yes - 'tweaking' would be the way to go."

"164”, “"

"165”, “No need to repeal present Act.  Parents may be interested if there was less formality"

"166”, “Parental representation could be modernised by merely tweaking the Act"

"167”, “Not necessary for Act to be repealed.  Changes/modifications to the existing Act would be sufficient, e.g. removal of formal election process"

"168”, “We don't believe the 1988 Act should be repealed - merely tweaked."

"169”, “"

"170”, “"

"171”, “Revision and amendment with updating are required  is useful and to be applauded.  The current framework is however robust and an amended and reviewed version of this should be considered rather than the proposed bill in its current form."

"172”, “The School Boards (Scotland) Act should not be repealed.  The case for a new full blown bill has not been made."

"173”, “"

"174”, “School Boards would appear due to the number of schools who have them to be successful.  The election process may need some change but parents and others with the concerns of the school at heart will always come forward."

"175”, “No need to repeal School Boards (Scotland) Act - in most cases working well so why change something that's working especially into something which wont have the same 'clout' - any small changes could be made by 'tweaking'"

"176”, “"

"177”, “Happy with status quo.  Tweaking won't encourage more parental involvement."

"178”, “Tweaking yes - more meaningful consultation, a complaints procedure and School Boards should formally report to Parents."

"179”, “No repeal is necessary 'tweaking' the Act seems a reasonable solution."

"180”, “No need to repeal - Yes to Tweaking."

"181”, “Yes some form of modernising the Act could encourage greater parental involvement."

"182”, “The Act does not need complete repealing.  'Tweaking' would be fine "

"183”, “No - we feel it unnecessary to repeal the School Board Act.  Some modernisations may be appropriate, i.e. change in the election procedures, to enable greater parental involvement.  Our experience is that School Boards can work well and that too much change could be detrimental."

"184”, “We see no need to change something that works so well already.  We recognise small changes could be addressed."

"185”, “We believe wholeheartedly that there is no need to repeal the 1988 Act.  A 'tweaking' of the more cumbersome parts of the legislation would be sufficient, e.g. election procedure, numbers defined by school roll etc"

"186”, “"

"187”, “Existing Act could be 'tweaked' to take account of new legislation."

"188”, “No need to repeal, merely 'tweaking' would suffice."

"189”, “The school board should keep their representation and only 'tweak' the parliamentary act."

"190”, “No need for repeal.
Adjustments, if required, can be made within the scope of current act."

"191”, “"

"192”, “"

"193”, “It's a bit out of date but it is a good Act and should be improved/modernised."

"194”, “But in favour of improvement"

"195”, “No we do not feel there is a need for a repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988 - slight 'tweaking' is all that is required."

"196”, “No - existing Act could be improved and modernised."

"197”, “No need for repeal - modernise via 'tweaking'"

"198”, “No need for repeal - tweaking would suffice,  Build on the existing Act.  Existing framework is good, use it to save tax payers' money"

"199”, “(We) do not believe that there is any need for repeal of the School Board (Scotland) Act.  Tweaking the Act would suffice."

"200”, “No need for repeal - could be 'tweaked'"

"201”, “Believe some modernisation of the current Act to simplify the election process would be favourable."

"202”, “"

"203”, “No need for repeal of the Act.  parents could be represented/modernised by 'tweaking' the Act"

"204”, “"

"205”, “Modification of existing Act is required"

"206”, “No NEED to repeal - 'tweaking' is sufficient."

"207”, “No, 'tweaking' would be enough !"

"208”, “'tweaking' would be absolutely acceptable."

"209”, “"

"210”, “"

"211”, “The structure in place is good but election process puts people off so parental representation could be modernised by ""tweaking"" the act."

"212”, “Could modernise by tweaking the act"

"213”, “We think that parental representation could be modernised without the need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) act 1988"

"214”, “No (need for repeal)
Parental representation could be modernised by making changes to existing Act."

"215”, “Could be modernised by merely ""tweaking"" the Act."

"216”, “Modernise the current Act"

"217”, “No need to repeal"

"218”, “No, it is adequate at present, and parents have input into decisions made."

"219”, “"

"220”, “Tweaking the Act"

"221”, “No   Repeal is not necessary, but modernisation of the Act would be beneficial."

"222”, “Modernised by ""tweaking"" the Act."

"223”, “No, we believe that the existing school board legislation together with less formal PTA arrangements gives safe and adequate provision for parental and other stakeholder representation and involvement."

"224”, “"

"225”, “All that is required is ""tweaking""."

"226”, “No"

"227”, “We do not believe that there (are) any fundamental problems with school Boards that ""tweaking"" the Act would not address."

"228”, “We do not believe there is any need for repeal."

"229”, “No"

"230”, “There is no need for repeal of the School Board Act.  There could be more positive encouragement towards parental involvement."

"231”, “No.  There is no need to repeal previous legislation and abolish School Board."

"232”, “"

"233”, “We see no need to repeal the 1988 Act.  Parental representation could easily be increased within the terms of the Act."

"234”, “It could probably be modernised by merely tweaking the existing Act."

"235”, “No.  We would prefer things to remain as they are."

"236”, “No.  In the proposed Act there appears little structural definitive plans for parental say.  Cannot comment on tweaking as do not know what this precisely means."

"237”, “"

"238”, “"

"239”, “Modernised"

"240”, “No - School Board Act should not be repealed instead, should remove inflexible more formal parts of modernisation."

"241”, “We do not believe there is any need for repeal of SB Act.  Yes, it could be 'tweaked' to modernise."

"242”, “"

"243”, “Don't agree with repeal."

"244”, “No"

"245”, “Tweak the Act"

"246”, “"

"247”, “"

"248”, “We feel it needs repealed.  We feel parents should still be involved but not in perhaps such a formal setting."

"249”, “I believe by merely tweaking the Act parental representation could be modernised.  I believe the new forums would be unprofessional and too informal for the level of decisions requiring careful consideration."

"250”, “The general view of the PTA is that there is no need for repeal of the Act 1988 - but a tweaking would be preferable."

"251”, “"

"252”, “"

"253”, “"

"254”, “Major Tweaking"

"255”, “No - tweaking of the Act should suffice"

"256”, “modernise by merely tweaking the Act"

"257”, “We believe that it could be modernised by merely 'tweaking' the Act"

"258”, “We believe the existing Bill should be kept - tweaking the Act would be sufficient (spend the money on more resources instead!)"

"259”, “'Tweaking"""

"260”, “Bill could be tweaked"

"261”, “Parental representation could be modernised - no need to repeal the Act."

"262”, “But do want more flexibility, less formality.  Concern council may use to their advantage."

"263”, “No need for repeal of School Boards"

"264”, “We believe that tweaking to improve flexibility in the setting a 'committee' best suited to individual schools."

"265”, “We are in favour of modernising the current Act (more substantively than merely tweaking)"

"266”, “"

"267”, “I believe it would be very disappointing if School Boards and PTAs were replaced by the proposed Forums"

"268”, “No need to repeal the Act"

"269”, “No need to repeal Act.  More publicity re School Boards and what they do is needed on a National basis."

"270”, “No need for repeal of act"

"271”, “No need for repeal - gentle modernisation is only needed."

"272”, “We consider tweaking the act would be more beneficial."

"273”, “There is no need for repeal of the School Boards but there could be more positive encouragement towards parental involvement."

"274”, “"

"275”, “We feel the current system works very well and that there is no good reason at all to repeal the Act."

"276”, “I do not feel that any change at all is needed here by the ""Powers Above"".  Leave it to the schools to organise themselves.  However an improvement would be welcome when it comes to acting to urgent requests for funding to repair our dilapidated schools."

"277”, “"

"278”, “No the Act does not need to be repealed.  Some adjustments could be made to the Act as it exists."

"279”, “I believe the act should be tweaked to bring it in line with the suggestions from all School Boards."

"280”, “"

"281”, “YES there is a need for change."

"282”, “""Tweak"""

"283”, “We do not consider the objectives of greater parental involvement, with which we totally agree, requires the School Board (Scotland) Act 1988 to be repealed.  Amendment to the Act could and should be carried out to make it more ""parent friendly"".  The Scottish Executive should aim to improve on what is there rather than engage in wholesale change."

"284”, “7 members replied NO with comments: always room for improvement and agree changes could be made but no need to repeal current system is fine, not convinced 'tweaking' is necessary, could be tweaked - PTAs or PA's obligatory, amendments only to current Act, Yes to tweaking it only, 4 yes to tweaking     3 leave it as it is."

"285”, “Yes"

"286”, “No need for wholesale repeal of 1988 Act, parental representation / involvement could be modernised by modification / updating of this Act."

"287”, “No need to repeal.  The present system works well here, no need to tweak."

"288”, “There should be some changes made to the original act but do NOT repeal it."

"289”, “"

"290”, “"

"291”, “"

"292”, “"

"293”, “ We do not believe there is any need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act.  We recognise that some amendments could be made to allow more flexibility."

"294”, “We believe that parents would be better represented by not repealing the act of 1988. Modernisation by amendment to the act is the way forward."

"295”, “There is no need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988. So much could be achieved by minor amendments to the Act."

"296”, “"

"297”, “No, tweak current act."

"298”, “"

"299”, “"

"300”, “"

"301”, “"

"302”, “"

"303”, “"

"304”, “"

"305”, “Tweaking the Act could achieve modernisation."

"306”, “"

"307”, “"

"308”, “We do not believe that there is any need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988."

"309”, “"

"310”, “We do not consider there is a need to sweep away the existing School Board structure. ""Tweaking"" the Act of 1988 to make the Board structure more flexible would be far better."

"311”, “We believe strongly that it will be detrimental to schools to repeal the School Boards Act.  Parental representation could be better modernised by merely 'tweaking' the Act.
"

"312”, “"

"313”, “"

"314”, “No  to repeal - School Board form part of the school structure - Yes - all Board members feel there is a need to improve what we do."

"315”, “"

"316”, “There is no need to repeal the Act.  Modernisation could be achieved by minor changes, e.g. to election procedures to make them less daunting."

"317”, “We do not think there is any need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1998 - could be modernised by 'tweaking'."

"318”, “Just tweak it"

"319”, “No need to change - but a tweaking of the Act to reflect 2005 attitude and code of practice."

"320”, “We feel that 'tweaking' is all that is needed"

"321”, “"

"322”, “There is no need to repeal the Act.  It could be altered to admit more parent representatives."

"323”, “No need to repeal this Act which gives parents representation in the education of their children.  Tweaking the Act may help in getting more parents involved in education."

"324”, “We feel that although there may be deficiencies with the present system, these can be achieved through minor revision."

"325”, “I do not feel that thee is any need to repeal the School Board Act.  I believe that any issues could be resolved by simply tweaking the Act and allowing schools a little flexibility."

"326”, “Tweaking only - i.e. election process"

"327”, “"

"328”, “Tweak the Act"

"329”, “We feel that to repeal the School Boards is not the way to help parents to be involved.  We therefore wish the Act to be tweaked only."

"330”, “No need for repeal - 'tweaking'  is all that is required."

"331”, “We do not believe that there is a need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988"

"332”, “Repeal is not necessary.  Modifications could certainly be made but there is no need to make wholesale changes."

"333”, “But those aspects of School Boards that contribute positively to parental involvement should be built on in new legislation."

"334”, “'Tweaking may be all that is necessary; a new name may give a less formal idea to parents and so make them more likely to get involved along with including language which encourages parents that their contribution is valued."

"335”, “"

"336”, “"

"337”, “No need to repeal the Act"

"338”, “No need to repeal"

"339”, “"

"340”, “"

"341”, “We believe that parents would be better represented by not repealing the act of 1988.  Modernisation by amendment to the act is the way forward."

"342”, “(Our) School Board believes that parental representation could be modernised by 'tweaking' the Act. The proposed changes lack structure which may result in less parental involvement and if it did go ahead in its present form may cause' more harm than good."

"343”, “"

"344”, “"

"345”, “"

"346”, “"

"347”, “No.  Much more could be achieved by building on best practice within the current legal framework."

"348”, “We believe there is no need to repeal the Act and changes to meet the Executive's objectives would be better handled through amendments to the current Act. (See also our responses to Q4-6 below)."

"349”, “"

"350”, “"

"351”, “Tweaking would work for the School Board, but not necessarily for other parental groups"

"352”, “We do not believe there is any need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act.  We recognise that some amendments could be made to allow more flexibility."

"353”, “"

"354”, “No.  Parental modernisation could be achieved by minor alterations to the Act."

"355”, “We do not believe any need has been demonstrated that the 1988 act should be repealed- nor are we aware of any public call for this action.  We are not against the establishment of Parent forums ( see our response to the Scottish Executive's questionnaire ).  We would support many of the changes suggested and believe they could best be achieved by amending the 1988 act and giving parent forums similar rights and responsibilities to those of school boards in the original act."

"356”, “"

"357”, “No, but there is room for improvement."

"358”, “"

"359”, “"

"360”, “"

"361”, “"

"362”, “NO, THERE IS NO NEED TO REPEAL THE 1988 ACT. We agree that parental representation could be modernised by ""tweaking"" the Act.
"

"363”, “"

"364”, “"

"365”, “"

"366”, “No need for repeal.  Agree that parental representation could be modernised by ""tweaking"" the act."

"367”, “Blank"

"368”, “The Scottish Executive claims that many parents regard the relatively formal structure and procedures of school boards as intimidating and not able to satisfactorily address their own views.  If that is so then surely the formality can be diluted and procedures altered so as to retain the essential focus which a school board provides whilst easing the path for parents who wish to express their views on issues affecting the education of their children"

"369”, “No need for repeal of 1988 Act.  Different modes of parental representation may be afforded by 'tweaking' of the Act."

"370”, “Modification of the present Act is surely the most reasonable way forward in modernising the relationships between parents/Boards and schools.  ""If it's not broken, why fix it!!"""

"371”, “The School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988 should not be repealed.  Parental representation could be modernised by merely tweaking the Act."

"372”, “Tweaking would be better"

"373”, “No need to repeal Act but modernise electoral procedure for Board members.  'Tweaking' of Act (modernisation) only required."

"374”, “No need for fundamental change.  The existing system is well defined and established.  Board members are elected for fixed terms, are accountable and have authority, responsibilities and rights defined by the Executive, independent of the local authority.  The title School Board emphasises that authority.  Even under the present system the local authority can manage to turn a deaf ear to schools on the periphery of the region."

"375”, “No need for repeal - Tweaking is all that is necessary"

"376”, “I believe that the School Board works very well at the moment.  Parents, community, school and education authority work well together."

"377”, “We feel very strongly that the tweaking of the act is a much better and more appropriate solution to encouraging parental involvement."

"378”, “Amending the Act should be sufficient to effect the required changes.  A new Act will not necessarily improve the situation."

"379”, “No need for repeal - tweak only"

"380”, “We feel that improvements could be made to the current system, no need for a new one."

"381”, “We do not believe there is any need for repeal.  If anything, minor adjustment on issues such as election process modernisation is al that is necessary.  Boards serve their schools and parents well and there is no guarantee that forums will."

"382”, “Small adjustments to the act would be enough"

"383”, “It is our belief the parental representation system just needs modernising - not re-written.  Equally it doesn't seem to be as effective in larger schools."

"384”, “"

"385”, “"

"386”, “"

"387”, “Parental representation could probably be modernised by ""tweaking"" the Act but it is parental apathy that needs to be addressed."

"388”, “No need to repeal - tweaking will do"

"389”, “Do not believe that there is any need for repeal.  Modernising the Act to promote parental involvement would be more appropriate."

"390”, “No repeal"

"391”, “I do not believe there is any need for the repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act.  Any modernisation could be achieved by 'tweaking' the Act."

"392”, “I think that the Act need only be tweaked."

"393”, “We have a structure which broadly works and allows parents to be involved in a number of ways.  Some tweaking or modernisation may be indicated to refine/improve and be progressive and developing.  A self-evaluation exercise."

"394”, “No need to repeal - yes to tweaking the 1988 Act.  Make it easier to be elected."

"395”, “"

"396”, “Tweak the Act"

"397”, “Tweaking will do."

"398”, “Don't need repeal"

"399”, “"

"400”, “"

"401”, “"

"402”, “The School Board Act should form the basis for new legislation."

"403”, “"

"404”, “"

"405”, “"

"406”, “No need for repeal; could benefit from tweaking.
"

"407”, “We would prefer to see the School Board system reformed to meet the needs of today’s parents and reflect the issues brought up in the National Debate on Education 2002.  We completely oppose the proposal to abolish School Boards."

"408”, “"

"409”, “"

"410”, “"

"411”, “"

"412”, “"

"413”, “"

"414”, “(Our) Primary School board members are against the proposal to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) Act and introduce Pupil Forums - please see attached additional  comment."

"415”, “"

"416”, “No, we feel the system works well but could be improved in some areas."

"417”, “"

"418”, “"

"419”, “In summary we do not consider there is a need to repeal the current legislation but do feel there is a need to update it
"

"420”, “"

"421”, “"

"422”, “"

"423”, “"

"424”, “School Board (Scotland) Act should remain as in general it meets the needs of both parents and schools.  Some 'tweaking' of the Act would be beneficial."

"425”, “"

"426”, “No need for the act to be repealed.  We simply need to build on the strengths of the School Boards and  improve on the weaknesses."

"427”, “We do not believe that there is a need for repeal of the School Board (Scotland) Act   1988.  We think that parental representation could be modernised by amendments to the existing Act."

"428”, “"

"429”, “"

"430”, “The best way forward is to amend the 1988 Act by modernisation."

"431”, “We believe there is no need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988, nor do the Scottish Executive's own researchers appear to.  The George Street Research paper on identifying and resolving barriers to parental involvement, apparently of high quality, makes no such recommendation.  It does find need for overhaul of School Board structures, presumably by 'tweaking' the Act - which will resonate with many or most School Board members.  It introduces the concept of parent forums, from innovate practice in Edinburgh, and notes difficulties in encouraging parental attendance - but clearly intends these to compliment, and perhaps be presented by, modified School Boards.  Despite the noted difficulties, such parallel forums do seem to offer opportunities to resolve several existing School Board issues - such as poor communication and appointment / election difficulties - which we would like to see explored further."

"432”, “Repealing the Act is potentially dangerous - there are not enough safeguards in proposed new Bill.  Updating the existing Bill would be for more beneficial."

"433”, “"

"434”, “"

"435”, “No. We believe that parental representation could be modernised by merely 'tweaking' the Act."

"436”, “We do not believe there is any need for repeal of the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988.  We think that parental representation could be modernised by merely 'tweaking' the Act."

"437”, “We accept that the Act needs to be brought up to date.  We do not consider that primary legislation is needed to achieve this."

"438”, “"

"439”, “"

"440”, “We do not believe there is any need to repeal the Act and yes we do believe it could be modernised by 'tweaking' the Act."

"441”, “A modification / review of the Act."

"442”, “It is difficult to say.  As we are such a small school board, it is unlikely that any change will make a significant difference."

"443”, “There is no need to repeal Act but some tweaking is required."

"444”, “We believe the current position should remain with the review focussing on how more parents can be encouraged to be included on Boards."

"445”, “""By tweaking the Act."""

"446”, “Yes"

"447”, “Not sure - sometimes a fresh start is easier."

"448”, “We do not believe there is a need for repeal of the 1988 Act and that modernisation could be done via alterations to the current Act"

"449”, “No need to repeal, minor changes needed re elections."

"450”, “We feel that the Board should not be abolished but think things need to be updated."

"451”, “No - keep as school board"

"452”, “We don't feel that there is a need for repeal of the 88 Act - modernisation could be achieved by simple amendment."

"453”, “"

"454”, “There is no need to repeal the Act - tweaking would achieve improved parental involvement."

"455”, “No as many parents won't want to be involved."

"456”, “There is a need to make changes, not sure that the changes proposed would be any better."

"457”, “Yes"

"458”, “"

"459”, “Don't know enough about existing legislation to answer this question correctly."

"460”, “We do not believe that there is any need to repeal the School Boards(Scotland) Act 1988.  ""Tweaking"" the Act would be sufficient."

"461”, “No, tweaking would do."

"462”, “No need to do more than tweak if the intention is to simply increase parental involvement."

"463”, “There is no need to repeal the act but parental representation should be improved."

"464”, “Parental involvement can be encouraged without abolishing the 'Act'."

"465”, “(1) No need for repeal.
(2) Yes"

"466”, “"

"467”, “Yes"

"468”, “No need - no tweaking just give a block grant to SSBA to promote boards more."

"469”, “We believe there is NO need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) Act.  ""Tweaking"" we feel would be sufficient."

"470”, “Tweaking may be enough but have not read Act and are not a constitutional lawyer !  Would need to be replaced by something better."

"471”, “Parental representation could be modernised by a few adjustments."

"472”, “Parental involvement can be improved without abolishing the Act."

"473”, “No, I think that parental representation could be modernised without too much trouble."

"474”, “There is no need for repeal of the current act."

"475”, “We feel that parental representation can be modernised by merely ""tweaking"" the Act."

"476”, “No - existing act could be 'tweaked'."

"477”, “Yes"

"478”, “As with all organisations ""tweaking"" is required continually to increase effectiveness and to allow flexibility to respond to changes in environment, legislation, etc.  Complete repeal of the School Board Act does not seem to provide any positive steps in improving school management."

"479”, “I do not think there is a need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland)  Act 1988"

"480”, “I believe that school boards should stay as they are."

"481”, “No need to repeal a system which is working well in some areas.  Why not use experience gained in these areas to be example of best practice for other areas."

"482”, “I believe it is inadvisable to take a backward step and that school boards should remain as they are."

"483”, “There is no need to repeal the School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988.  Modernisation could have done by some ""tweaking"" of the Act."

"484”, “We have seen no clear evidence that there is popular demand for what parent forums claim to offer.  We have seen no case put that the provisions of the current Act and it's amendments are failing in any significant way.  So why the new Bill ?  Make improvements and reach out to more parents by amending the existing modem to that end."

"485”, “I don't think there is any need to repeal School Board Act."

Parent Forums - Draft Bill