A COUNTY councillor has called on Flintshire County Council to work with St David’s High School, following its governing body’s extraordinary step to declare it had no confidence in the authority.
The governors of the Saltney high school sent a letter accusing Flintshire Council of a “sustained pattern of behaviour” and “unjustified and discriminatory conduct” towards the school since 2021.
Their concerns include the issuing of a statutory warning notice which was later withdrawn after the council failed to substantiate it and public claims about financial management they say were unfounded.
The governors also criticised the council for listing closure of the school as an option in a consultation without prior discussion, failing to deliver promised investment, and moving to remove the governing body despite recent positive comments from Estyn on governance.
Broughton councillor, Chrissy Gee, said the revelations paint a bleak picture of how the authority has handled its relationship with the school.
"Many families in Broughton South send their children to St David’s, so I know first-hand how much this school matters to our community," she said. "What governors have laid out in their letter is deeply concerning. Instead of offering consistent support, it looks like Flintshire has instead undermined the school.”
While acknowledging challenges at the school, Cllr Gee insisted these cannot excuse "the lack of leadership from County Hall".
“Everyone recognises that St David’s faces difficulties – the Estyn inspection made that clear, and the school leadership has accepted it to," she said.
"But it is damning that the Cabinet Member responsible for education has not attended a governing body meeting in years, while at the same time the council has pursued sanctions and even floated school closure. That is not partnership working, and it isn’t conducive to good education.”
She added that the impact of battles with the council has been keenly felt by governors and staff.
Cllr Gee added: “The solution is simple. Flintshire must stop the brinkmanship, sit down with the governors and staff, and work together to deliver positive change. Families in Broughton deserve the reassurance that their school has a future and will get the support it needs.”
Jane Morris, co-director of Governors Cymru Services, which supports governing bodies across the country, echoed Cllr Gee's message.
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She said: “When a school goes into special measures, as per Welsh Government guidance, it’s crucial that the senior leadership team, governing body and local authority work together for the benefit of all pupils.
“We believe that dialogue and openness can lead to a better and quicker resolution. We hope this situation can be resolved satisfactorily and as soon as possible, to avoid further upset and stress to all parties concerned.”
Flintshire County Council was approached for comment on the matter.
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