Schools may close over falling rolls

Education Minister Anne Tolley. File photo / Daily Post

Some South Dunedin schools are set to be merged or closed because of falling rolls.

Education Minister Anne Tolley said the six primary and intermediate schools being looked at had lost a fifth of their students over the past decade.

"...we know that roll decline leads to reduced funding, reduced staffing and fewer educational options for students.

"There are currently 620 surplus student places at these schools, representing 39 per cent of the schooling network, and demographic projections show no significant rise in student numbers over the next few years."

Two options were being consulted:

Option 1

* Merging Forbury School and Macandrew Intermediate School;

* Merging Caversham, College Street and Calton Hill Schools; and

* Changing St Clair School to a Year 1-8 school.

Option 2
* Closing Macandrew Intermediate School; and

* Merging Caversham, College Street and Calton Hill Schools.

"These options are purely a starting point for discussions," Mrs Tolley said.

"Other options may arise during the consultation process and they will also be given consideration."

She urged all involved to express views.

"It's important to know what the community thinks about the strengths and weaknesses of the options presented, and we are open to alternative suggestions."

Consultation closes on December 14. The Education Ministry will then prepare a report to the minister and further consultation may follow. The aim was to implement changes from Term One in 2012.

- NZPA