[Greens-Media] 'Empty desks?'

[Manderson, Roland]

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ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey MEDIA RELEASE
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Fri 5 May 06

'Empty desks' a fiscal fiction

ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey has called for the ACT government to look more closely at the financial and social implications of the proposed closure of schools that are deemed not full to capacity.

"'Empty desks' is not a satisfactory rationale for closing schools" Dr Foskey said today.

"Small schools deliver a better educational outcome for some students, so Canberra parents should be clear the move to close small schools is not about ensuring the best education for our kids."

"Furthermore, the actual cost of running a small school depends on how the school is managed, how the classes are organised, and who else is on site.  It is wrong to presume that a school building with substantial excess capacity will - by definition - lose the ACT a whole lot of money."

"Co-location of other facilities, such as childcare centres, could both cover the shortfall and add to school viability." 

"There is scope to explore more innovative educational models as well.   For example, the Cooperative School in O'Connor is full, with a waiting list, and so a similar approach could be pursued in a school on the southside."

"There are additional costs if a school is closed. Primary schools in particular are vital to the health of communities. Any decision to close a neighbourhood school would have a permanent negative impact on its suburb. I don't know how Treasury factors in those costs when it's adding up the 'empty desks'."

"The Education Minister has agreed to work closely with school communities before making any decision to close them. Whatever the outcome that is agreed, the land has to remain zoned for community use.  If it is sold off for private development it will be gone forever."

"Who is to say what the future of Canberra will be? A new Federal Government with a strong commitment to public education, among other things, might make for big changes in Canberra.  Selling off small schools and the land around them will not help us in the long run" Dr Foskey said.

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Roland Manderson   Media Advisor
ACT   Greens    MLA  Deb  Foskey  
Legislative Assembly for the ACT 
ph(02)62050551      m 0412241379
==== www.act.greens.org.au ===== 
  
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