Concerned parents with pupils attending closure threatened schools say the publishing of the timetable for the sustainable education review gives them something to work towards.
Almost a year ago Moray Council contacted Caledonian Economics to carry out a review of all its schools after it emerged that £70million would be needed to bring them up to scratch.
Several rural schools have been threatened by possible closure with Milne’s High School in Fochabers and Crossroads Primary, near Keith, included.
Dougie Potter, of the Save Milne’s High campaign, said: “The sooner we end the uncertainty hanging over the school the better as it is not only having an effect on teaching staff but the kids.
“We didn’t have the timetable at our meeting on Wednesday night but now that we do its something for us to work towards.”
The timetable was released yesterday and shows that members of the cross party steering group are due to receive the report from advisors Caledonian Economics on September 19.
After a period of analysing and checking by the group, it will be presented to the area based review group, who commissioned the report.
It will then be released to the public on September 25, after head teachers have been briefed on its contents.
Chairwoman of the steering group councillor Anne Skene said that publishing a clear timeline at this stage was important to all who have taken part in the consultation process.
She said: “We were clear from the outset that this process will be completely transparent, and I hope that the publication of this timeline will be of some help and reassurance to everyone that we continue to abide by that.
“Naturally many people are keen to know what ideas are being presented to the cross party area based review group, and we will put the report out as soon as possible.”
A full council meeting will debate the report at the beginning of November and councillors will agree which proposals are to be progressed and their order of priority.
Council leader councillor Alan Wright echoed her words, and said: “As shown in the timetable there are obviously steps in the process to be undertaken before its released to the public, such as its presentation to elected members and head teachers, but there will be no delay putting the report from the advisors into the public domain once these steps have been taken.”