"I'm always hugely concerned when educational reforms are proposed because savings need to be made, rather than because the system in place isn't working. Investing in education isn't just optional - it's essential - and we need to secure a better and fairer funding model for Wales, so that more money can be provided for essential services, such as education and health. However, that's not to say that alternatives should not be considered. I'd love to see all secondary school teachers in Powys work together to come up with an option five. Yes, I have my own ideas but they - along with parents and pupils - are the experts and they know what's needed and what would and would not work. I want to see them being allowed to lead on this, with local politicians listening to them and supporting them whilst fighting for a fairer financial deal for our schools. Education is the one thing that cannot be messed about with. It's the key to the future, and if we get it right, it will give our children the best start in life and help our economy prosper, particularly in rural Wales. That's why any plans to reform the already excellent secondary education in Montgomeryshire must be well thought out and discussed in depth beofre any changes are made. We cannot afford to make any mistakes."