While data from all 139 feedback forms lodged by the community by the due date yesterday was yet to be collated, a resounding "no" had been voiced in response to the school's proposal to exclude pupils from Lake Hayes Estate, Quail Rise Estate, Tucker Beach, Marina Heights and the northern side of Frankton Rd, from term 2, next year, if the ministry approved an enrolment scheme.
The ministry and Education Minister Anne Tolley instructed RPS trustees to consult on a new school zone by September 12, because of concerns about possible overcrowding at the school.
Concerns were raised about pupils having to pass one school to attend another and how it would divide the community.
RPS principal Debbie Dickson said yesterday respondents also answered "no" when asked if they wanted large schools of about 800 pupils.
"People feel RPS was built for Lake Hayes Estate, Quail Rise, Tucker Beach, Marina Heights, and they're right."
Fifty-two pupils enrolled when RPS opened 18 months ago. Now the $17.3 million school in Frankton has 342 pupils enrolled in years 1 to 6, and it predicts more than 380 would be enrolled by the end of term 4. Years 7 to 8 are due to start next year. The school was designed for 460 pupils. Plunket figures show 307 Wakatipu children will turn 5 in 2014.
RPS trustees continued to meet counterparts on all other Wakatipu school boards to discuss the proposed enrolment zone.
However, devising the zone "was putting a Band-Aid on the issue of overcrowding in all schools", Mrs Dickson said.
It took time for schools to be built - the RPS establishment board of trustees was founded to develop plans for the school three years before it opened.
"Schools need time to prepare facilities and ensure there isn't overcrowding and to do that we need to act now," Mrs Dickson she said.
The board would organise a public workshop to relay the findings if there was interest. She invited residents to email board@remarkablesprimary.school.nz.
Feedback forms were available on the RPS website and the school will accept submissions until September 11, at noon.
