Stonefields gets ready for school

Auckland's newest suburb came a step closer to acquiring a school yesterday as the Ministry of Education announced a board of trustees.

The proposed school in the Stonefields residential development next to Mt Wellington will address the shortage of schooling in the region.

The 2900 homes in the old quarry are expected to house more than 6500 people - more than the average New Zealand country town.

Ministry of Education northern regional manager Bruce Adin said the Establishment Board of Trustees were a skilled and experienced group.

"They will have responsibility for appointing a foundation principal, determining school policy and governance matters, as well as ensuring that the school reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community."

Board members include Lin Avery, principal of Glen Taylor School; Elizabeth Esther Collins, teacher at Churchill Park School; Colin Davis, Eastern Bays community board chairman; Diane Harrison, a parent trustee and accountant, and Wendy Rundle, a literacy adviser.

Proposals for board appointments were sought from local schools, the Auckland City Council, early childhood centres, local iwi, residents and community groups.

The school will open in 2011 with accommodation for 260 Year 1-8 students on a site in Stonemason Ave.

Landco Land Developments general manager Andrew Stringer said a school would act as a major foundation for the community.