Cost cutting hits Kawerau schools

The decision to close three of six schools in Kawerau represents a misjudgement which places cost cutting above quality education and public consultation, says Labour’s List MP based in Rotorua Steve Chadwick.

“Bowing down to cost-cutting measures without considering what is best for the children and families in Kawerau is typical of this Government’s short-sighted approach to education,” Steve Chadwick said.

“This community accepted change may be necessary in order to maximise opportunities for their children, but were not briefed or consulted before the Minister jumped to such a brutal cut.

“I wrote to Minister Anne Tolley after visiting all schools and early childhood education centres in Kawerau and suggested a staged approach to ease any transition. I raised the concerns families had voiced around the Minister’s approach, which had unnecessarily pitted one school against another.

“Families were concerned about transportation, classroom capacity and the best outcome educationally for year seven and eight children.

“This decision ignores the input I and others have passed on from parents in Kawerau.Principals are also concerned at the way in which they were told of the decision last Thursday.

“The school closures and mergers have placed principals under pressure. Schools that are to remain open will have capacity problems having to absorb up to 150 new pupils without the space.

“I have visited every school and preschool, unlike the Minister, and have heard their concerns. The Minister needs to get out of her helicopter and face the Kawerau community with this decision.

“The town is still clearly divided and upset and one month is not enough time to work through issues for those facing closure or those who will have to plan around extra pupils,” Steve Chadwick said.