STEVENSON WELCOMES INCREASED SPENDING AND MORE TEACHERS IN ABERDEENSHIRE SCHOOLS

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the publication of statistics showing that the level of investment in schools across Aberdeenshire has increased and that the number of teachers employed by the local authority has also gone up. The total gross revenue expenditure for primary, secondary and special education increased by £13,301,000 in Aberdeenshire between 2006/07 and 2007/08.

The number of teachers employed also increased by 114 over the same period to take the total to 2, 766.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I am delighted that since the SNP came to power we have seen record levels of investment in our schools, with an additional £150 million invested across Scotland last year.

“While some areas have had problems, the majority of local authorities have seen teacher numbers maintained or increased in the face of falling school rolls. Aberdeenshire has seen increased investment and more teachers employed and that can only be a good thing for children in Banff & Buchan.

“With 114 more teachers and more than £13 million of additional revenue invested, I believe that we will see tangible improvements to the education of young people in Banff & Buchan in coming years. Children’s education is an important issue for us all and it is vital that we get things right. I am proud that the Scottish Government has made money available to let Aberdeenshire council do just that.”