Parents at a Stewartry school are being asked to help pay for materials for classes.
Castle Douglas High’s Parent Council has “reluctantly” written to parents asking for donations towards supplies needed for some practical subjects.
The move comes after a meeting last term when the school management team highlighted difficulties in funding materials.
A letter from parent council chairperson Helen Keron said: “Art, home economics and technical are all really suffering from the massively increased prices of food, wood and supplies and because of the fixed school budgets, the only solution at the moment is to cut down on the practical lessons in these subjects.
“We feel this would be a real shame for the equity of all our young people – learning to cook, make and craft are core life skills.
“Slightly reluctantly, then, the parent council is asking for donations towards the cost of supplies for these subjects.
“We know times are very hard for most people now, so please don’t worry if you can’t afford to donate just now. We quite understand.
“The parent council is not very happy about having to ask you for this.”
The letter also suggests parents could raise the matter with local politicians.
Castle Douglas councillor Iain Howie said: “I welcome this initiative by the parent council which, as well as providing an opportunity for those who can afford it to support the parent council, highlights the financial crisis facing local authorities throughout Scotland.
“The council does not expect parents to contribute towards the cost of the curriculum in our schools. However, if these activities can be enhanced with additional funding sourced by the parent council well that’s to be welcomed.”
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson has written to Scottish Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville calling for action.
He said: “It is totally wrong for young people to miss out on key lifestyle skills such as cooking and preparing health meals because of rising costs.”
A Holyrood spokesman said: “The Scottish Government has provided funding to local authorities to remove the need for schools to charge for any costs associated with the core curriculum.”
