The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that assessment is underway to find a suitable way forward for improvements at Markethill High School.
Armagh I contacted EA after a frustrated parent raised concerns for the building’s long-term suitability.
Their grievances came to a head on October 4, when the school was forced to close its doors for four days following a power outage.
The outage meant that all pupils and staff were left with no alternative but to work from home, accessing lessons and work via Google Classroom and email, as directed by their teachers.
However, the parent said the issue highlights the “urgent need” for redevelopment of the Mowhan Road school building, describing the current premises as “not fit for purpose”.
Back in February of this year, calls for a new-build school at the Mowhan Road site were aired on the Northern Ireland Assembly floor by DUP MLA, Gareth Wilson.
Wilson’s remarks on the need for a new school building came off the back of Education Minister Paul Givan’s commitment to progressing plans for a new Tandragee Junior High School premises.
And, while there are still regrettably no confirmed plans for a proposed new-build school project, EA have confirmed that a study is underway.
A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: “The Department of Education has approved an EA options appraisal to identify the most appropriate solution for the provision of teaching accommodation.
“The proposal is currently at an early feasibility stage and includes plans to provide new drama, media, music and learning support accommodation, together with the replacement of five aged mobile classrooms.
“As the project remains in the early stages, it is not possible to provide timescales at this time.”
In relation to last week’s power outage, EA continued: “A temporary generator has been arranged to allow the school to reopen to pupils and staff on Monday 5 October.
“Further work is required to address issues with the mains electricity supply and will be addressed as a priority.”
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