Communities need to fight for schools says Bill English

Schools could be saved if communities applied enough pressure, National MP Bill English said yesterday.

His comments follow Education Minister Trevor Mallard's announcement that five schools in Upper Hutt and Stokes Valley would close after a review of 20 schools in the area.

However, he backed off an earlier proposal to close either the Mangaroa or Plateau schools in northern Upper Hutt, and has left Upper Hutt secondary and intermediate schools untouched for now.

Mr English said the decision to back off the Mangaroa or Plateau schools was a sobering lesson for schools nationwide.

"Tui Glen principal Judith Miller says that her school was closed because they didn't make enough of a fuss," he said.

"In contrast, Upper Hutt schools put up a vigorous fight and saved half a dozen schools."

The Government was scared of parent activism and negative media coverage, Mr English said.

"Trevor Mallard has shown he has no stomach for a fight, particularly if it involves high-decile schools," he said.

"It is up to schools and communities now to keep the pressure on."

About 160 schools nationwide have been reviewed.

- NZPA