Schools Bullied into merger talks

Rural schools told to consider option in wake of federal funding

Written by JEFF ZEUSCHNER.- Source: Wangaratta Chronicle

LOCAL rural primary schools are being bullied into considering mergers, Wangaratta’s federal member claimed yesterday.

Sophie Mirabella (MHR, Indi) accused the State Government of using an imminent windfall of federal funding "as a cover to force schools to amalgamate".

The Wangaratta Chronicle has confirmed that Oxley, Milawa, Everton and Whorouly primary school principals were summoned to a meeting earlier this week and asked to discuss the option of all four schools merging into one new school at Milawa.

The merger was prefaced on the basis the Federal Government’s stimulus package could deliver up to $850,000 per school, and a merger could be a good way to maximise educational benefits.

Mrs Mirabella said schools had been given the impression "that discussion of amalgamation is a requirement before federal funds are handed over".

She accused Victorian Minister of Education, Bronwyn Pike, of using the department, through regional directors and regional network leaders, to do the "government’s dirty work".

But Ms Pike, in a statement to Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday, refuted Mrs Mirabella’s allegations and said all schools have access and are entitled to federal and state capital funding.

"There will never be a policy in this government, nor will there be pressure from this government to force school closures or mergers," she said.

"Because of a huge investment in capital funding from both us and the Federal Government we have a huge work program of projects we need to get up and running to deliver new school buildings and jobs in Victoria.

"Labor MPs are out there talking to schools about how they can best use the money, unlike the Federal Opposition members who tried to vote this package down."

Oxley Primary School council met last night and unanimously voted against any merger.

Council president, Dianne Newton, said Oxley was a strong school with 67 students that delivered quality education and remained a valuable asset to the local community.

"Our school is continually ranked well above the state (academic) average and parental surveys indicate a strong level of satisfaction with the school," Mrs Newton said.

"We can’t see any real reason for a merger," she said, acknowledging the four schools do already work together within the cluster group.

Mrs Newton said her school had good facilities with a large multi-purpose shed currently being built, and a bike path now linking the school with the Oxley township.

She said the school would be getting in touch with the other three schools to convey its stance.

• Edi Upper, Myrrhee, Greta, Whitfield and Moyhu primary schools were summoned to a meeting with education departmernt regional office staff yesterday.