The high-profile fight to save Martins Creek Public School has escalated with the NSW Upper House demanding the future of the school be disclosed as a matter of urgency.
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The NSW Upper House has passed a motion – drafted by Greens MP Dr John Kaye and Christian Democrat Party MP Paul Green - to release all documents held by either Education Minister Adrian Piccoli or his department relating to the closure or otherwise of Martins Creek Public School or Wollombi Public School.
The documents must be released to the Parliament within 14 days.
“Both communities have persistently advocated on behalf of their schools and their struggle against the education minister and his department put this issue on the agenda of other parties in the Upper House,” Dr Kaye said.
“The NSW Upper House has sent a clear message to the NSW government that they can’t unilaterally decide to close down schools without genuine consultation, sound justification and a transparent process.”
Dr Kaye said there are serious concerns that in both the Wollombi and Martins Creek cases, a pre-determined outcome has marginalised community consultation and the needs of the students currently enrolled as well as future enrolments.
“The motion was necessary because we are approaching the end of the school year and both communities desperately need some clarity about the future of their schools,” he said.
“We understand that decisions on the future of the schools are imminent.
“When we are talking about the future of a school, the centre of the community in remote and regional areas, it is appropriate that all of the facts are made open and transparent and available to the general public.”
However, a spokesperson for the education department said there has been extensive consultation with both school communities since last year.
“The department began consultation with parents of Wollombi Public School last year and the most appropriate placement for the five students currently enrolled,” the spokesperson said.
“As with any small school, the department has been monitoring local demographics in Martins Creek so it can offer the best possible opportunities for students.”
Earlier this year NSW opposition spokesman for education Ryan Park, Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery and Cessnock MP Clayton Barr stepped forward to champion the cause of both Martins Creek and Wollombi schools.
