Many parents, teachers and students are not happy about the proposed amalgamation of schools in Murwillumbah, and today NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President Henry Rajendra is visiting the area.
The State Government recently announced significant changes to public school provision in Murwillumbah.
The announcement identified Murwillumbah Public School, Murwillumbah East Public School and Wollumbin High Schools to close and an upgraded high school and new primary school to be built on the existing Murwillumbah High site.
The decision to close three out of the four Murwillumbah public schools was made with no consultation with teachers, other staff, parents and the broader community.
The community has been blindsided and ambushed by this government announcement.
This decision has significant negative consequences for the provision of public schooling such as:
- The potential to increase class sizes;
- Cuts to teacher and support staff numbers;
- The loss of land from public education and government ownership; and
- The absence of public preschool provision.
Could this be a short term land grab and a long term track and trace of our kids for the new agendas of 2021 and 2030?.