The Ministry of Education has hit back at criticism about its perceived slow reaction to the ‘‘bulging'' schools crisis in Central Otago.
Otago MP Jacqui Dean said she was disgusted by the Ministry of Education's management of Central Otago schools and called for it to solve the space crisis at Wanaka Primary School.
The school's roll was the highest in a decade and was growing so fast principal Dr Wendy Bamford had said she might have to start holding classes in a local farmer's barn, if a new school was not built soon.
Ministry of Education Southern Regional manager Michael De'Ath said allegations the ministry had been slow to react to growth in the area were nonsense, and there was action to get the Central Otago school network ready for the next decade.
‘‘Central Otago has recently seen an economic boom that is unmatched anywhere in New Zealand at present... And with it, demand goes on to essential services - including schools".
‘‘We have had accurate data on the boom in school-age populations since the 1996 census and have been planning accordingly, refining predictions as updated data becomes available.''
Four new classrooms were being built at Wakatipu High School and soon the ministry expected to confirm the use of two extra classrooms for Wanaka Primary School and to shift two temporary classrooms on to the site as well.
‘‘And of course, the plan to open a new Wanaka Primary School on a larger site is stil very much on track, with opening [planned] as early as next year".
Schools were permanent fixtures and if they were not done right the first time, it was difficult to make changes, he said.
‘‘For that reason, the ministry and local stakeholders, such as the Queenstown Lakes District Council, don't rush into the building process. To make sure that a school is a functioning part of a community, it has to be a good neighbour.''
Frankton School was a good example, he said. As community consultation had proceeded, it became clear various sites raised concerns among the community.
‘‘The ministry could have begun construction in 2004 if it had not been concerned about ensuring the community had its say first.''
A similar process was under taken in the Wanaka community and Mr De'Ath said both schools would be open by 2010.
‘‘Relocatable'' classrooms were being installed at Queens town Primary School, enrolment schemes had been placed at two of the three Wanaka schools, the ministry was discussing with Wakatipu High School manage ment how to balance factors such as class sizes, international students and subject range, and the Wakatipu Basin Area Strategy continued to consult the local community about the possibility of building schools in the area after 2010.
