Anne Tolley

5 May, 2011

Next steps for Kawerau schools

Education Minister Anne Tolley has made a decision on the future of schooling in Kawerau, following a second round of consultation.

�Following extensive consultation with schools and the community, I believe a number of changes need to be made to ensure that students in the area have access to the best possible education,� says Mrs Tolley.

�These changes will strengthen the quality of education for the young people of Kawerau, which has been at risk due to viability issues such as roll decline.�

The reorganisation will:

� Change Kawerau South School to a Year 1 � 8 school

� Merge Putauaki School, Kawerau North School and Kawerau Central School on the Putauaki School site with Putauaki School being the continuing Year 1-8 school

� Close Kawerau Intermediate School

� Retain Kawerau College, without relocating the Teen Parent Unit

A decision on the possible establishment of a designated character Years 1 � 13 M�ori language immersion school, which has a separate process, will be made soon.

�The changes to the structure of schooling in Kawerau were taken after careful consideration of the consultation reports and advice from the Ministry, and I�m confident that students will have greater educational opportunities as a result,� says Mrs Tolley.

The boards of all Kawerau schools now have 28 days in which to make any additional comments.

A final decision will be announced soon after this, with any changes to Kawerau schools to be implemented from term one, 2012.