Ms Mulholland paid tribute to the extraordinary efforts of the staff, pupils and the wider community in striving to make the school sustainable, reiterating her belief the school community deserved a longer period to demonstrate the viability of their efforts.
“While I understand the broader challenges in ensuring educational sustainability, it is deeply disappointing Balnamore Primary School was not afforded the time required to continue their progress and build on recent steps to make the school sustainable. This decision will be a difficult one for many families in the wider area, but I want to emphasise how proud they should be of everything they have done to support their school.”
“I will be writing to the Minister to seek urgent clarity on the continuation of pre-school provision and to explore the potential for the school building to remain a valuable community asset.
“I will also be in contact with the Parent Teacher Association to arrange a meeting to discuss their concerns and priorities. Additionally, I will do everything I can to support families and staff through this transition period. The legacy of Balnamore Primary School will continue on in the achievements and spirit of its community, and I am committed to ensuring this closure does not mark an end to the site being a hub for the local community.”
Alliance Ballymoney Councillor Lee Kane added his disappointment at the news and reiterated how the commitment of the local community has been heartening, regardless of the outcome.
“This is a thoroughly disappointing outcome for Balnamore Primary School, which has been a cornerstone of the local community for generations.
“I was proud to work alongside parents of the school and the local community, to help plot a path to sustainability. I am deeply disappointed the Education Minister has not given the school community the time we acknowledged that was needed to bring that plan to fruition.
“The dedication and resilience of the staff, pupils, and parents have been nothing short of inspiring. Their hard work, particularly on the development of the pre-school provision, deserves our highest praise.”