City Council to buy school to ensure its future
15 June 2015
The future of St Joseph's RC School in Aberdeen has been secured following Aberdeen City Council's decision to buy the school.
The decision to proceed with the purchase of the school and the school's grounds was taken by the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee on Wednesday 10 June.
A report, which went before committee members detailed the extension to the current lease of St Joseph's School building, which was approved under delegated powers, and to seek approval for officers to enter into and conclude negotiations to acquire the property from the Society of the Sacred Heart. The purchase would include the school buildings, the two residential properties on the site and the school grounds subject to the purchase price being agreed.
Acquiring the St Joseph's School buildings, residential properties and school site, will:
Vice-convener of Finance, Policy and Resources Committee Councillor Ross Thomson said: "It is wonderful news that in purchasing the St Joseph's school building we are securing the future of what is a real centre of excellence.
"The high quality of education at St Joseph's ensures opportunity and positive destinations for our young people. I know that the Council's decision will give parents comfort and reassurance over the long-term future of this first-class primary school.
"Our strong management of the city's finances has allowed us to make this investment. This is the right decision as St Joseph's contributes so much to the vibrancy of education here in Aberdeen."
Convener of Education and Children's Services Councillor Angela Taylor said: "Education is a priority for this council and by agreeing to purchase St Joseph's RC School and its grounds shows a genuine commitment by us, not only to the school community but also to RC education in the city."
The City Council hopes to take ownership of the school at the end of the current lease which ends on 31 July 2017.
Parents of children at the school were informed by letter on Monday 15 June.