FAQs for interim decisions for 31 schools – 18 February 2013
What is the Education Renewal Recovery Programme?
The Education Recovery Renewal Programme describes the context for change and key issues we are facing in greater Christchurch. It synthesises a wealth of community feedback and outlines future directions and actions.
What will education renewal deliver for greater Christchurch?
Greater Christchurch will have one of the most modern schooling networks in the country that will serve communities for many years to come, and help each and every child get a great education.
Up to $1 billion will be invested over the next ten years to deliver a renewed education network for greater Christchurch – this will deliver a modern education network with great facilities and access to modern technology and techniques.
What is the interim decision announced on 18 February?
Of the 38 schools covered in the original proposals announced in September last year:
- 12 schools proposed for closure or merger should remain open
- 19 schools should either close or merge
- Of these 19 schools, 7 should close and 12 should merge (to create six schools)
- 5 schools in Aranui proposed (Aranui, Avondale, Wainoni, Chisnallwood Intermediate, and Aranui High School) have had their consultation period extended to 7 March 2013.
- 2 schools have already closed voluntarily at the schools’ request – Hammersley Park and Le Bons Bay Schools. Le Bons Bay School had just four pupils before it closed.
What is the detail of the interim decision?
| Interim decision – should continue the closure process |
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| Interim decision – should continue the merger process |
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| Interim decision – should retain these schools and not close them |
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| Interim decision – should be retained as separate entities and not merge |
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Is this the final decision?
The Minister has decided to give all 31 schools more time than is required under the Education Act 1989 to provide further information and before final decisions are made. This gives these schools time to review all the information that the interim decisions were based on.
School boards also have the option of accepting the interim decision earlier than the 28 March deadline. This needs to be done in writing to the Minister. Should this happen, the Minister can make and advise the Board of her final decision as quickly as is feasible and will not wait until the end of May.
What does ‘interim decision’ mean?
Under the law, the Education Minister is required to give an interim decision before making final decisions about proposed school closures. In the case of proposed mergers the Minister has decided to follow the same process. The interim decision means school boards are entitled to at least 28 days to provide further feedback before final decisions are made. Due to the complexity of these decisions, schools have been given an extra two weeks so they have time to review all the information the interim decisions were based on. Schools that have been identified for closure or merger will now have until 28 March 2013 to provide feedback. The Minister intends to announce final decisions on all proposals by late May 2013.
How many students are affected by these interim decisions?
These interim decisions relate to proposals for 31 schools, which have a total roll of about 5,500 children, or 7.6 per cent of the school population in greater Christchurch. Since last September, two schools have already closed at their request (Hammersley Park and Le Bons Bay), and the five Aranui schools (Aranui, Avondale, Wainoni, Chisnallwood Intermediate, and Aranui High School) have been given an extended consultation period until 7 March 2013 due to the complexity of their proposed merger.
We acknowledge the earthquakes have taken an emotional toll on children and families and this process is unsettling for communities, so that’s why we want to move ahead with this process to provide some certainty. Ultimately, children in greater Christchurch will have access to one of the best and most modern schooling networks in the country, including new facilities with access to modern technology.
If the final decision is that a school will close, when will this happen?
The interim decisions include a proposed closure date. These dates will not be confirmed until the Education Minister has made final decisions.Usually a school closure takes place at the end of the school year or the end of the term. Secondary schools usually close on 27 January.
What will happen to the students of the schools that are closing?
Once final decisions are made, information will be available to help parents make decisions about their child’s future education and the options that will be available to them. Information about the process can be found on the engagement process page.
What does this mean for staff at the schools?
There are clear processes for school closures and mergers and school staff have clear rights and obligations. The Government is committed to ensuring these are followed. These rights are detailed in the relevant collective employment agreement. Staff will be supported through this difficult period. Staff can get more information from their union and their employer. If a final decision is made to close their school, many of the teachers at the schools affected are expected to get jobs through the new schools being built and other job opportunities becoming available because of the growth of other schools in the region.
What about secondary schools – what is proposed for them?
Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti has been included in the proposal to merge with Discovery One School and Aranui High School is proposed to close and new Year 1-13 schooling provision established (no decisions have yet been made regarding the Aranui Community Learning Cluster). Apart from these secondary schools no other proposals for the future provision of secondary schooling in Christchurch will be put forward until assessment information about their land, buildings, and demographic change has been received and analysis undertaken.
Late last year we asked the secondary principals to work together on the development of innovative proposals for the future of secondary schooling in the greater Christchurch area. We expect these proposals in April and the Ministry is looking to put proposals to the Minister for her consideration in May. There will be full consultation on any proposals the Minister accepts before any decisions are made.
What happens now for the affected schools?
The Minister has decided to give all 31 schools more time than is required under the Education Act 1989 to provide further information and before final decisions are made. This gives these schools time to review all the information that the interim decisions were based on.
School Boards also have the option of accepting the interim decision earlier than the 28 March deadline. This needs to be done in writing to the Minister. Should this happen, the Minister can make and advise the Board of her final decision as quickly as is feasible and will not wait until the end of May.
This does not apply to the five schools in Aranui, which have been given an extended consultation period until 7 March 2013. The Education Minister intends to announce an interim decision for the five Aranui schools in April.
What are you doing to support students, parents, teachers and communities affected by potential closures or mergers?
Ministry teams will be available to all affected schools to provide tailored programmes to meet schools’ specific needs, in collaboration with community services, resource teachers of learning and behaviour, and social workers in schools.
Once final decisions are made, the Ministry will appoint a change manager to support the Boards of schools that are closing or merging. Where schools are merging, both schools will work with the same change manager. Ministry staff will work closely with the change manager and ensure that there is sufficient support to schools throughout this process.
What changed between the September announcement and now?
The proposals were just that, proposals. Following the September announcement, parents and school communities were encouraged to let the Ministry of Education know what they thought of those proposals and to provide ideas and alternatives. Over the past few months, the Minister has visited 35 of the affected schools, listened to parents and school communities and carefully reviewed the submissions received. As a result of this process, and looking at a number of factors regarding the schools including earthquake damage, roll size, population movement and future population growth, building issues, school locations, and how the overall education network is served, some changes have been made to the original proposals.
The Government will not be proceeding with about a third of the proposals to close or merge schools announced last September should not proceed. Of the 38 schools covered in the September announcement, 12 should remain open, 12 should merge, 7 should close, 5 in Aranui are still in a consultation period and 2 have closed voluntarily at their request.
What factors has the Government and Ministry of Education taken into account during this process?
In looking at the greater Christchurch schooling network, we have looked at a variety of different factors including earthquake damage, roll size, population movement and future growth, building issues, school locations, and what opportunities there are to create better, more modern schools. How each school fits into the wider education network across greater Christchurch was also a factor. The face and make-up of greater Christchurch has changed as a result of the earthquakes so the schooling network has to change too.
How does today’s announcement fit with the Government’s vision for future education in greater Christchurch?
Today’s announcement is part of our overall plan to create a modern education network in greater Christchurch that provides students with 21st century facilities. The aftermath of the earthquakes gave us a chance to ensure greater Christchurch students have access to a good, quality education in modern facilities and in better locations. These interim decisions are designed to ensure the education network is fit for purpose for many years as Christchurch rebuilds into a vibrant, modern city. The Government is absolutely committed to rebuilding Christchurch and will invest $1 billion in renewing education in the region over the next 10 years.
What else is the Government doing?
More than 80 per cent, or 177 of the 215 schools in greater Christchurch, are not affected by the Government’s proposals. The Government is planning to build or rebuild 15 schools in greater Christchurch over the next 10 years, including five brand-new schools. Repairs to the more than 30 earthquake-damaged schools are also progressing well. The Government has already fixed 17 of the 23 school swimming pools damaged by the earthquakes, at a cost of about $900,000. The rest are expected to be completed by May.
What do you mean by the concept of ‘modern schools’?
At the end of this process, greater Christchurch will have one of the best and most modern schooling networks in the country. These modern schools are designed to reflect the advice of education experts, and to ensure children can be taught using the latest techniques and technology. This includes flexible teaching spaces that can be expanded, or reduced depending on what is required, in energy-efficient buildings, with the latest technology, including access to ultra-fast broadband.
What happens next?
We will continue to talk with parents and communities and work with principals and boards of trustees. The affected schools will now have until 28 March 2013 to provide any further feedback on the interim decisions before final decisions are made, apart from the five schools in Aranui that have been given an extended consultation period until 7 March 2013. The Education Minister intends to announce final decisions by late May.
Does the Board have to re-present its initial submission or the information that was in it?
There is no need for Schools Boards to re-submit their initial submission. Boards can be confident that what they initially presented will be considered alongside any additional feedback or argument the Board provides, as part of this phase of the process.
What support will be provided for our Board?
Boards can contract a Ministry funded facilitator to support them to put together a submission. The Ministry has staff to support your Board in its role, who will explain the process and seek answers to any questions your Board may have. NZSTA will also provide support for Boards.
Will we still need to have Board elections this year if the school may close or merge at the end of 2013?
Yes, the election process continues despite the uncertain future of the school.
If there is not enough interest to form a legally constituted Board (a minimum of 3 parent representatives), then the only other option is for a Commissioner to be appointed in place of the Board.
NZSTA will provide advice to any Board unsure of what they need to do.
Does a school that is closing or merging at the end of 2013 need to submit an annual charter update for 2013?
Yes, the school must submit a charter that includes student achievement targets, an annual planning section and a relevant strategic planning section that covers 2013.
Does a school that is closing or merging need to submit its National Standards or Ngā Whanaketanga Rumaki Māori information for the 2012 school year?
Yes, the information required under NAG2A(b) and (c) is required to be submitted to the Ministry with the school’s annual charter update for 2013.
Does a school that is closing or merging at the end of 2013 need to submit their annual report due to the Ministry by 31 May 2013?
Yes, schools need to develop and submit their annual reports for the 2012 school year as per normal.
Does a school proposed for closure or merger where a decision has not yet been made need to submit an annual charter update for 2013?
Yes, these schools must submit their annual charter updates as per normal, including student achievement targets, annual planning section and a strategic planning section that covers the next 3-5 years.
Where can schools get help with their charters?
Schools can contact their local Ministry office for support and guidance in developing their planning and reporting documents.
What support is available to staff during this time?
Staff can get support from their Board of Trustees, and (if they are members) from their union (NZEI, PPTA, SFWU, AWU, PSA, SPANZ). The Ministry will be able to provide information about further support that may be available.
What do you mean when you talk about recapitation or a change of class?
A recapitation is when a year 1-6 school becomes a year 1-8 school. When a secondary school goes from year 9-13 to year 7-13, this is a change of class.
What is the difference between a year 1-8 school and a year 7-13 school for my intermediate-aged child?
The year 7 and 8 students are the senior students in a year 1-8 school and the junior students in a year 7-13 school. Each school will make decisions about how year 7 and 8 students are managed in either a year 1- 8 or year 7- 13 school. For example in a year 7-13 school, year 7 and 8 students might have different teachers for different subjects. Once any new school types are announced, parents should make enquiries about how year 7 and 8 students may be accommodated and managed at the schools they are interested in sending their child to.
What about enrolment schemes? How will they change with the changes to schools?
Enrolment schemes are likely to change with changes to the network of schools. The Ministry will work with the Boards of schools where enrolment schemes are required to change so that these are implemented in a timely way. Enrolment schemes are established to ensure that all students have the right of access to a ‘reasonably convenient school’ in relation to where they live.
What about students with special education needs?
Once final decision are made, planning will begin immediately with staff from special schools and satellite units to find the best and least disruptive solutions for students and their families, and staff. Teacher aide support and access to specialist services such as RTLBs will continue to be available.
If my ECE service is on a school site that should close or merge, when will we know what will happen to our service?
Sometimes there is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) centre on the site of an affected school. As part of the process, the Ministry will discuss the future of the ECE service with the licensee / owner and once the final decisions have been made.
Following the final announcements, the Ministry will work with each affected service to identity suitable options for the future of the service.
If it was decided that the ECE service would remain on the site, the land that it occupies may be surveyed off and not disposed of as part of the school site. If it is decided that the ECE service is to be relocated to a different site, then this can be organised.
Where can people find more detailed information about the interim decisions?
There is more information on the renewal interim decision page.
Queries can be emailed to shaping.education@minedu.govt.nz or telephone 0800 746 338.