Watchdog investigates primary school zone

The Ombudsman is investigating zone changes at an Auckland primary school in a case that could have implications for enrolment schemes throughout the country.

The Ministry of Education and the board at Gladstone Primary School in Mt Albert cut the zone in January.

The board said the school was "too popular" and classrooms were bulging with too many pupils.

But figures obtained by a group of parents show the school roll has actually been dropping for several years and is today almost 10 per cent down on its peak in 2003.

The Ombudsman has the power to "recommend" the zone change is overturned and it is unlikely the ministry or school would refuse the recommendation. National Party education spokesman Bill English said that could open the floodgates for litigation against zoning changes.

"We will see more shrinking zones and with this as a precedent, we will also see more parents taking action against it."

Gladstone's zone was cut at the start of this school year.

The school board said that based on roll growth projections, the number of children attending would increase by about 6.6 per cent. That was calculated from census, Ministry of Education and city council figures, taking into account in-fill housing and new residential development.

But ministry statistics show the roll peaked in 2003 at 906.

On July 1 it stood at 788 and, even with an extra 50 children enrolling as they reach 5 years old, the roll would reach only 833 by the end of the school year. Official capacity is 880 students, but the school has set an upper limit of 860.

Parent Aaron Pryce, whose street is now outside the zone, said there were concerns over the process followed to cut the zone. "It seems there was a predetermined decision and come hell or high water they were going to put it through."

Mr Pryce said he moved to the area three years ago, partly so his first child could go to Gladstone.

He has launched a campaign to gather more support by handing out flyers in the neighbourhood.

Together with other parents in the area, Mr Pryce has put a case to the Ombudsman, who has agreed to investigate.

However, board of trustees chairman John Powell said the school was "overcrowded beyond capacity" in 2003. There was a risk of getting to that "pressure point" again, he said, and though there were minor decreases in enrolment now "that does not mean they won't occur in the next few years".

"It's an emotional issue and we've tried to deal with it as best we could."

Mr Powell also said the board had followed correct procedure as he understood it and the decision had been taken under the direction of the ministry.

Deputy Assistant Ombudsman Stephen Blackstock confirmed an investigation into the Gladstone situation was under way and the office was awaiting a response from the ministry.

The Gladstone case is another high-profile row over zoning, after the Herald revealed two weeks ago that Auckland Grammar had kicked out about 50 students whose families had moved out of its zone.

The Ministry of Education has ordered it to take back 20 of them.

The Herald on Sunday revealed yesterday that houses in the Grammar zone are worth up to $100,000 more than similar ones just outside.