PARENTS are demanding that a local councillor is allowed to join a new shadow governing body (SGB) at Richmond School.

More than 100 people have signed a petition calling on North Yorkshire County Council to appoint Cllr Stuart Parsons as one of ten members of the new board.

The shadow body is being formed to work with the school's interim executive board (IEB) ahead of a permanent governing body being elected.

At a public meeting to discuss the changes, parent expressed concern that all ten members of the shadow body would be appointed by the council, rather than elected - and that only two parents would be signed up.

The petition states: "To get a permanent board of governors, the local education authority is following guidelines set out which means there will be temporary governors set in place until a board is set up for the long term.

"These people will be hand picked by the LEA and not voted in by parents and other stake holders.

"This petition is being set up so as the parents may have a say over who governs their school."

The petition organisers are hoping to collect 200 signatures and had received 102 by Monday (February 9) afternoon.

Dave Ryder, one of the signatories, commented: "I would like someone on the shadow board of governors who is not hand picked by the LEA and who is wanted by the parents, someone who can be relied upon to represent the parents and pupils of Richmond School with honesty and integrity - that man is Stuart Parsons."

Cllr Parsons said he would be delighted to sit on the board if asked.

He added: "I'm very, very flattered and very touched that people want me on the board.

"If I'm selected then obviously I would work with everybody to improve the situation at Richmond School - I wont let them down."

North Yorkshire County Council said it was confident the shadow governing body would build on the good work of the IEB.

It added in a statement: "In order to achieve this will ensure that the SGB has the required skills set to take the school forward.

"We hope therefore that there will be wide interest among parents to become members of the SGB and to have an active part in shaping the school’s future.

"Should there be a number of strong nominations from parents we will decide on next steps to ensure the SGB is properly representative.”