Proposed School Closures
Although the Tasmanian Government has announced it will not be proceeding with the planned closure of four schools in Meander Valley, Council will be keeping this page live in the near future as a source of information for members of our community
Last Updated 05/07/2011
This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
Government Announcement
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On the 16 June 2011, Premier and Treasurer Lara Giddings announced the State Budget for 2011/12 with cutbacks of $1.4 billion projected over a four year period. Reductions to public sector services include twenty schools earmarked for possible closure within the year. Sixteen of these schools are in small regional townships with four located within Meander Valley municipality:
This action is part of State Government's 'Renewing our Education System' program. |
Community Noticeboard
"Save Meander Primary School" - Information and Ideas Community Meeting - Tuesday 28th June at 7.00 pm at the Meander Hall, Main Road, MEANDER - "COME ALONG AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT"
The Westbury Primary School School Association invite you to our Community Support Gathering to be held on Saturday 2 July 2011.Download the flyer with more information here.
Council's Position
"Meander Valley Council is totally opposed to the projected closures of the four schools and will join with the school communities to fight against the destruction of the very heart of those towns and districts" said Meander Valley Mayor Mark Shelton.
Whilst Council understands the seriousness of the State Budget situation and the need to reduce costs, it is keenly aware of the social and economic impact that school closures can bring. If schools are the 'foundation of our society', as the Minster for Education publicly declares, then the most careful consideration must be given to the unique circumstances and merits of each school.
Surveys
Interviews
Tasmanian School closures on ABC Radio. Interview with Rick Dunn, Director of Economic Development and Sustainability, Meander Valley Council.
Tasmanian School closures on ABC Radio. Interview with David Adams, Tasmania's Social Inclusion Commissioner.
30 June 2011
Interview with Greg Preece on Tasmania Today. Interview with Greg Preece, General Manager, Meander Valley Council.
29 June 2011
Reports and Additional Information
Meander Valley School Viability Reference Group Submission
18 October 2011
IMC link - Meander Valley Schools Closure Report and Parent Survey Results
18 October 2011
School Size: Bigger is Better?
The Hobbit Effect: Why Small Works in Public Schools
Dollars and Sense: The Cost Effectiveness of Small Schools
The Tasmanian Government's Case to Close Schools is Threadbare by Save Our Schools
27 June 2011
Education Policy Comment Impact Statements on Tasmanian School Closures are a Farce by Save Our Schools
24 June 2011
Parents Call for Greater Scrutiny of Proposed School Closures by Tasmanian State School Parents and Friends
24 June 2011
Education Minister in Breach of Education act in School Closures by Save Our Schools
21 June 2011
Impact Statements are a Farce by Save Our Schools
24 June 2011
School Closures are unlikely to Create Savings or better Education by Save Our Schools
20 June 2011
Letter to the Mayor from Peter Schonefeld
Letter to Minister McKim from Sarah at Marakoopa Coffee
Media Releases
Media Statement 1 July 2011 |
Media Statement 29 June 2011 |
Media Statement 27 June 2011 |
Media Statement 22 Jun 2011 |
Media Statement 21 Jun 2011 |
