The Elected Mayor opened the meeting with an explanation of the procedure:

• The public are not allowed to comment or question.
• Councillors may ask questions when the Board have made their comments.
• The item may then “be called in/not called in”

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith (Labour) then commented:

• There had been long and extensive discussions.
• Thank you to everyone who has taken part.
• Impressed on how many people care.
• 25% of school places remain empty
• Many schools are desperate for refurbishment.

Councillor Ian McLaughlan
(Weston and Meir North, Labour)

 There are 3 key issues:

• Falling rolls, Inadequate Buildings and Educational Attainment.
• 23% of school places empty, not enough pupils.
• BSF is an excellent opportunity to review post-16 education and how to work with colleges and universities.

There have been 90 consultation meetings.

£45k spent on brochures.

The consultation process has been fair and transparent. (Open for debate!)

Looking at retaining staff by working with other schools.

Governors will have a fair representation.

Reducing 17 schools to 13 has been a huge challenge and the decision should mark a new beginning.

Councillor Roger Ibbs
(Trentham and Hanford, Conservative and Independent Alliance)

 Most important thing is that no change is not an option.

Tried to improve all across the city, don’t have enough children.

We are not making these decisions on our own – guidance given by ministers. (Really? Ministers deny this!)

We must close 4 schools, agree with Councillor McLaughlan, never seen so much public interest before. (The public has never been in such revolt before!)

Councillor Michael Tappin
(Blurton, Labour)

Last May a decision was made to reform, and regardless of politics, join to transform the city.

Given that BSF would not have been allowed before.

We are not improving.

We need to regenerate the city – new jobs

Need to raise aspirations.

Party differences should be put aside in the interest of the city. (How about in the interests of the people?)

Councillor Adrian Knapper
(Berryhill and Hanley East, Labour)

It is on record that I am against Berryhill & Mitchell merging (If you genuinely are, why didn't you vote against the proposals?).

This is about good education in the city

Councillor Mohammed Pervez
(Burslem South, Labour)

It has been about making difficult choices.

Have been receiving professional advice (From Serco?).

Proposals are reasonable and every effort should be made to make a smooth transition (Are they?)

Councillor Hazel Lyth
(East Valley, Conservative and Independent Alliance)

All our children deserve a choice

We have failed in the past

I am pleased that we are doing this. (But are your Constituents happy?)

Councillor Mervin Smith
(Norton and Bradeley, Labour)

This project provides potential for investment.

In the next 10-15 years this decision will be seen as a turning point. (For better or for worse? -  that is the question).

I urge the city to move forward,

Councillor Joan Bell
(Longton South, Labour)

All members have been involved, there is an illusion that we did not visit all schools –  we did.

We took a coach, with any interested members and looked at all sites. (How come nobody saw you?)

Councillor Ross Irving
(Trentham and Hanford, Conservative and Independent Alliance)

 ABSENT

Councillor Peter Kent-Baguley
(Chell and Packmoor, The Potteries Alliance)

I issue verbal notice that I am calling this in.

Each call in should be considered.

I am not satisfied with the degrees of principles

The Director of Education has given no clarity in discussions regarding the forms of governance.

A lot more careful discussion is needed.

Councillor Joy Garner
(Burslem North, Labour)

We have been listening, as Haywood is now safe. (Thanks, Joy)

Can I refer to recommendation 5, a new special school for children with behavioural problems, this is an excellent proposal.

Councillor Terence Follows
(Trentham and Hanford, City Independent Group)

You are not listening – it is very unprofessional of Serco – you have not discussed the federation option. (Hear, hear!)

Councillor Alby Walker
(Abbey Green, British National Party)

BNP give notice to call in discussion.

BSF is a big opportunity – these proposals will irreversibly damage children.

You are experimenting with our children.

Councillor Paul Billington
(Stoke and Trent Vale, Liberal Democrats Group)

In fairness, how can you tell children you have made the right decision. (They can't. The children are about to become guinea pigs.)

Councillor Alan Rigby
(Norton and Bradeley, Conservative and Independent Alliance)

Peter Kent-Baguley has saved Haywood. (Well, that shows just how on the ball the Cons. are! Cllr. Kent-Baguley has had nothing to do with this campaign, has never attended meetings, etc. How about giving due credit to Haywood's Ward Councillors Jean Edwards and Joy Garner?? Grow up, man, and stop trying to score cheap political points!)

In 10 years time we will see the fruits of this decision grow. (Poisoned apple?)

Carry this forward.

Councillor Ian McLaughlan
(Weston and Meir North, Labour)

There are 4 major issues being called in.

The council will support schools

Regarding costings, the government have formulae for working them out and they will accept these proposals.

Federation The formal notice only came in yesterday, and did not include any answers on finance and impact on numbers.

With reference to numbers, 900-1200 students is classed as a small school.

Elected Mayor Meredith
(Labour)

I believe that we have listened, to different ideas and some better ideas – we have taken these on board.

The time has come to move forward together, parties have come togther and been able to be positive.