[Greens-Media] Iemma govt inflicts slow death on Macquarie Boys High School

[John Kaye]

Iemma govt inflicts slow death on Macquarie Boys High School
 
Media Release: 24 July 2007
 
Macquarie Boys High School in Parramatta North is being slowly killed
off by a state government intent on selling the site, according to
Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: “This week parents of protective year 7 children for the
2008 intake were told by Department of Education officials that
curriculum offerings at the school would be slashed.
 
“They were also told the number of teachers was being cut by three.
 
“These parents are being deliberately driven away from the school.
 
“It is impossible to escape the conclusion that Education Minister John
Della Bosca and his department have decided to close the school but lack
the courage to confront the parents with the truth.
 
“Instead they are killing off student enrolments by frightening parents
with the prospect of a school in rapid decline that can only offer the
bare-bones curriculum. Parents will run a mile.
 
“It might make it easier for the Minister to close the school, but this
is no way to treat the community or the students who will be left
behind.
 
“If they want to close the school they should be honest and use the
processes outlined in the Education Act.
 
“Too many decisions are being driven by real estate values rather than
by educational outcomes. The closure and destruction of Beacon Hill High
School despite rising demand for public education in the Northern
Beaches is a textbook study in how not to manage public assets.
 
“Now Macquarie Boys High School is becoming a study in how not to
manage a school with declining enrolments. 
 
“The school and its students deserve much better than this shoddy
treatment,” Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: John.Kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000