In a letter to the Times, William Hamill from Ballymoney expressed concerns at the voting process amongst the Board of Governors and local parents and fears for the school's future.

He wrote: "I am writing at this time to express my concern for the future of the Model Primary School. The week commencing March 31 2008 saw us entering a two month consultation period. A proposal for the school to become a Controlled Integrated Primary was placed in the daily and local newspapers.

"Last week I called up at the NEELB offices in Ballymena to have a look at the proposal. I also saw the result of a vote carried out by the Board of Governors on whether or not to let it proceed to a parental vote. The result of the vote came as quite a shock to me and I'm sure others will feel likewise: 4 votes For, 0 votes against and 4 absentations. I for one would like to know why four of the Governors chose to throw their votes away?

"The result of the parental vote went as follows: 1. Number of eligible voters 422; 2. Number of votes returned 230 (54.5%); 3. Number of spoiled votes nil; 4. Number of yes votes 124 (53.9%) of the valid vote; 5. Number of no votes 106 (46.1%) of the valid vote.
"The parental vote was carried out by the 'Electoral Reform Services, London'. Sent out with the ballot was literature supporting Integrations with none giving the other view point. Even with this the 'yes' vote only scraped through.

"In over-all terms less than 30% of parents actually supports the transformation. 70% plus are happy as they are or against it.
With figures like these, surely this can't be pushed through?"
Calling on parents and guardians, he continued: "I would urge those who are unhappy with this situation to send letter of objection to: Development Branch, Department of Education, Rathgael House, Balloo Road, Bangor, Co Down. BT19 7PR.

"All letters must be sent before the end of May 2008. I believe if enough parents send letters we can stop this! We have rights too!"
In response Daryll Kenny, Information Officer, North Eastern Education and Library Board explained: "The legislation setting out the process for a school wishing to transform to controlled integrated status requires at least a 50 per cent turn out on the first ballot for such a vote to be valid.

"If that number is not reached a further ballot must be held with a simple majority being needed. This criterion has been met on the first ballot and the majority of those who chose to vote agreed to support the proposal from the school governors.

"It is quite wrong to assert that those who did not vote favour the status quo or are opposed to the integrated option. The opinion of those who chose not to vote cannot be determined or speculated on."