Labour's Education Spokesperson in the City, Councillor Laurie Bidwell, said:
"I welcome
the announcement from the Scottish Goverment that the rebuilding of Baldragon Academy has been
approved.
"I know
this will be welcomed by the Baldragon staff, pupils and parents.
"The
current Baldragon Academy buildings are
over 50 years old and pupils in the North West of the city
deserve a Secondary School that is fit for the 21st Century.
"The
original proposal by the Council included the replacement of Sidlawview Primary
School on the same campus and I hope that is
part of what has been approved as well.
"This
really is a school for the future announcement as the government's letter makes
it clear that Baldragon will not be among those schools with an accelerated
start over the next 18 months.
“That might
have been possible as the rebuilding of the school will be on another part of
the Baldragon site.
"Unlike Harris Academy there will be
no need to decant pupils during the building of the replacement Baldragon Academy."
Ward Councillor
Kevin Keenan said:
"As a
local Councillor, I am very pleased that a new build Baldragon Academy received the
approval of the Education Minister today as part of the Government's Schools
for The Future prgramme.
"However,
I am a little disappointed this Project is not within the first phase of
funding, which would have seen a construction start within 12 to 18 months -
delivering much needed jobs for Dundee's construction workers.
"It
remains great news for the pupils, staff and parents along with the wider
community as this new build will deliver a much improved learning environment
and is therefore very welcome."