05 February 2003
Portarlington Man Appointed Education Services Director at new Government Agency

Frank Smith, from Portarlington, has been appointed the new Director of Educational Services by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB). This is a pivotal post in the new independent agency, which was set up to encourage regular school attendance and to ensure that young people receive adequate education and training. Frank will assume the role on February 23rd, 2004.

Frank has been working for the last number of years as the Assistant Director of St. Helen's Education Office of the Christian Brothers. In this post he worked as part of a team responsible for the support and training of a large network of school Boards of Management, both at primary and secondary levels.

In his new role with the NEWB, Frank will work with schools to assist them in meeting their obligations under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. He will also work with parents, guardians and others concerned with the welfare of young people to develop appropriate policies and systems to ensure that the NEWB’s service is both effective and fully accessible to those who need it most.

Prior to working with the Christian Brothers, Frank was a secondary school Principal at Portarlington and teacher of Business Studies. Frank has worked in the voluntary and community school sectors. He also spent three years in Africa, working in management training and lecturing in accounting.

The NEWB currently operates a nationwide service for all children at risk of not receiving an education. In addition, it provides an intensive service in six cities and 12 towns across the country, where its Educational Welfare Officers are located.

For more information contact:

Edel Hackett, Tel: 087-2935207