Limerick City – In a recent meeting of the Limerick School Attendance Committee, held this evening and presided over by Mayor [insert name], significant decisions were made to address attendance issues in local schools. The committee, consisting of prominent clergy members and community representatives, discussed strategies to improve attendance rates and ensure that students attend school regularly.
One of the key announcements during the meeting was the approval from the Board of National Education for the appointment of two attendance inspectors specifically for the city. This response came after the committee sought clarification on the matter.
The discussion then turned to the number of inspectors required. While some members proposed the appointment of three inspectors, others argued that two would suffice. Mr John King raised the question of whether two inspectors could handle the workload adequately, to which Mr John Guinane responded, dismissing the need for a third inspector.
Eventually, it was agreed upon by the committee members to issue advertisements for the positions of two attendance officers, with a proposed salary of £52 per year for each inspector. The decision was supported by Very Rev Dr Shanahan of St. Munchin’s, who presented attendance figures from the previous Wednesday to emphasize the need for strong attendance monitoring. The data indicated that out of the total student population, 2,215 students were present while 392 were absent, reflecting an attendance rate of 34 per cent.
Mr Guinane further highlighted the positive aspect, stating that only 16 per cent of students were absent, which he deemed satisfactory. Dr Shanahan, who initially favoured appointing only one inspector, later reconsidered and advocated for the appointment of two inspectors after a thorough examination of the matter. He believed that the inspectors’ primary responsibility would be to ensure the attendance of absent students.
During the meeting, Mr Dundon disclosed that the committee would have a budget of £210 at their disposal within the next twelve months. Father Shanahan of St. Mary’s seconded Mr Guinane’s proposal for two inspectors, while Father Griffin and Mr King suggested a salary of £45 per year for each inspector. In a subsequent vote, six members favoured a salary of £52 per year, ultimately determining the compensation for the appointed inspectors.
As part of the decisions made, advertisements will be issued seeking applications for two male inspectors at the agreed salary. The selected candidates will be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing attendance and ensuring satisfactory school attendance rates. The applicants should be between the ages of 23 and 40, and their duties will commence on August 1st.
Lastly, following a motion presented by Mr Guinane and seconded by Very Rev Dr Shanahan, Mr Nolan was appointed as the committee’s secretary, with an annual remuneration of £20.
The Limerick School Attendance Committee is taking proactive steps to tackle the issue of absenteeism and aims to create a supportive environment that encourages regular school attendance for the betterment of the students and the community as a whole.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 14 June 1904
