The NSW Education Department has responded to the NSW Teachers Federation’s accusation that Education Minister Sarah Mitchell has only just revealed the extent of staff cuts at the mega school.
A spokesperson for NSW Education said it has been clearly communicated since the inception of this project, no permanent staff will lose their jobs.
‘It is disappointing the Federation continues to mislead the community instead of engaging with the project like the majority of families have,’ said the spokesperson.
‘Staffing numbers at the four schools will be reflected in the new campus through until 2026, when staffing will be determined by the state-wide staffing formula, agreed upon by the NSW Teachers Federation. ‘
Principals part of extensive consultation process
The spokesperson said that the principals of Murwillumbah Public School, Murwillumbah East Public School, Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School have been part of the extensive consultation process.
‘The principals of the four schools, and both local education directors, are unanimous in their recognition of the benefits of this project for students across the Northern Rivers.
‘The Department has also conducted wide-ranging community engagement with the parents and carers of students in line with the consultation requirements for a school merger.
‘The Campus will include a separate primary and high school on the same site and will offer students in Murwillumbah advanced educational opportunities that have not previously been available to them.