Calry principal to give up administrative role so St Patrick’s NS can appoint second junior infants teacher

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The news that St Patrick’s NS Calry has been unsuccessful in its appeal which sought to have an additional teacher appointed to cope with a surge in applications from parents hoping to send their child to the school in September has been met with frustration and disappointment.

In response to that setback, it has been confirmed that school principal David Gallagher will give up his administrative principal role for the coming school year, instead taking up a Special Education Teacher position allowing the school to appoint an additional teacher to cater for all who applied.

While Mr Gallagher was praised for his decision it was noted by Cllr Casserly that, “To undertake these duties while also carrying a teaching load is a significant challenge.”

Correspondence issued by Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton in relation to the school’s appeal stated, “The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally.

“The primary school staffing arrangements for the 2026/27 school year are set out in Circular 0025/2026. These arrangements contain an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of my department and its decision is final.

“The appeal submitted by Calry NS was unsuccessful. The school has been notified of this decision.”

The request for an additional teacher to be made available arose following the significant increase in applications for the coming school year with 42 junior infant applications received for only 28 available places.

Expressing her disappointment at the decision not to allocate an additional teacher to Calry NS, Cllr Marie Casserly commented, “I am extremely disappointed that Calry National School has been unsuccessful in its application for an additional teaching post despite facing unprecedented enrolment pressures.”

Cllr Casserly noted the school community worked tirelessly in an attempt to find a solution, but in the absence of intervention from the Department of Education the additional burden will now fall on the school principal, David Gallagher.

Cllr Casserly noted, “The Principal, has taken the extraordinary step of giving up his administrative principal role for the coming school year and instead taking up a Special Education Teacher position. This will allow the school to appoint a second Junior Infants teacher and accommodate the children who would otherwise be left without a place.”

In correspondence to the Minister for Education Cllr Casserly stated, “While this decision reflects the school’s commitment to its pupils and community, it places a significant additional burden on the Principal, who will now be expected to balance both teaching and administrative responsibilities in a busy and growing school.”

Expressing her frustration she added, “It is deeply disappointing that, following an appeal, the Department has not recognised the exceptional circumstances facing the school and local families. School leaders should not have to make sacrifices of this nature to ensure children can access education in their own community.”

Cllr Casserly paid tribute to school principal Mr Gallagher but insisted this was a decision he should not have had to make commenting, “The decision you have taken to move from an administrative principal role to that of a teaching principal to facilitate an additional Junior Infants class demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the children and families of the area.

“In a school of Calry’s size, the role of principal already carries immense responsibility, encompassing leadership of teaching and learning, support for pupils and parents, staff management, governance, compliance, administration, facilities management, and the day-to-day operation of the school. To undertake these duties while also carrying a teaching load is a significant challenge.”

Cllr Casserly also reiterated her commitment to ensuring a more suitable long term solution is found so that a similar situation doesn’t arise in the future.

Praising the leadership role provided by Mr Gallagher, Cllr Casserly commented, “While your willingness to step forward ensures that local children can be accommodated, it should not have been necessary for you or the school community to bear this burden alone.

“Please be assured that I will continue to explore every available avenue with the Department of Education and all relevant stakeholders to seek a resolution to this issue. I will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of Calry National School and the families it serves.”

In conclusion Cllr Casserly remarked, “Thank you for your dedication, leadership and commitment to ensuring that no child in the community is left behind.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.