No review for schools in Hutt

The Government has rejected a council plea for a radical shake-up of Lower Hutt secondary schools.

The council, appalled by poor NCEA results, officially requested a review so sweeping changes could be considered, including the creation of single-sex and junior and senior schools.

But in a letter to mayor David Ogden, obtained by The Dominion Post under the Official Information Act, Education Minister Anne Tolley said she would be reluctant to proceed without the schools' support. "As you will appreciate, dialogue with schools is an essential part of any process," she wrote.

Three of the four state schools targeted, Taita College, Naenae College and Wainuiomata High School, had the worst NCEA level 1 pass rates for 2008 of 35 secondary schools in the Wellington region.

Hutt Valley High School, the area's fourth state school, had a pass rate above the national average but would have been included in any review.

Naenae College principal John Russell was furious when the council revealed its plan in July, saying the council had "lobbed a hand grenade over the back fence" by initiating action without asking for their opinion. Yesterday his stance had not changed.

"I am happy to meet with the council and discuss the issues, but I do not support a review. It is a complete waste of energy and the Government's decision is the sensible thing to do," he said.

Taita College principal John Murdoch said he would not support a review. "So it's a relief to hear of the minister's decision. This whole situation has really damaged morale at our school and in the community. Now we can move on and forget about this silly idea," he said.

The review was first suggested by councillor Max Shierlaw. Outraged by the NCEA results, he started a rare debate about education at a council meeting.

Backed by nearly the whole council, Mr Ogden wrote to Mrs Tolley asking her to review Lower Hutt secondary education. The council wanted the review to include NCEA pass rates, school zones, the number of schools and community support for single-sex options.

All the state schools in Lower Hutt are co-educational.

Mr Ogden said he was not giving up and hoped he would be able to get the schools to change their mind and agree to a review. "I was surprised with the minister's response, but I don't think this issue will simmer down and just go away.

"I hope the schools will want to talk to us and listen to what we have to say."

It is not the first time an overhaul has been suggested for schools in the region. A review of Upper Hutt intermediate and secondary schools in 2003 recommended the creation of a super-school catering for more than 3000 pupils. However, the plan was ditched in 2007.

The Lower Hutt review would have been similar to a community-led initiative in Tararua District. A working group recommended closing eight of the district's 12 schools. The plan was dropped, however, after the group's proposal sparked outrage in the community.

- © Fairfax NZ News