School demerger pushing ahead

By Jo Kennett

NSW EDUCATION Minister Prue Car says she remains committed to the demerger process of Murwillumbah’s two public high schools and has released three clear messages as the government approaches the halfway mark of consultation.

Minister Car, who is also deputy premier, visited Murwillumbah alongside Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin on Tuesday, August 8.

The minister met with staff, parents and carers from the Murwillumbah community to hear their frustrations about the former coalition government’s “flawed plan to carry out a mega-merger of four schools in Murwillumbah”.

“The former government pushed ahead with a plan to merge Murwillumbah Public School, Murwillumbah East Public School, Murwillumbah High School and Wollumbin High School without community consultation, and despite strong opposition from local stakeholder groups,” Ms Car said.

“I am so happy to be here today in Murwillumbah, to hear from the local communities about the best path forward for these four schools,” she said.

“We are here to listen to and understand the frustrations of this community, who were treated with a shocking amount of contempt by the former Liberal National government.

“Even though it was opposed, the former government pushed ahead with a highly unpopular mega-merger of four schools.

“We will not repeat those mistakes and have already used early results from consultations to create a new path for these school communities.

“We have already learned there are many opportunities to work together, grow and learn, and I believe we can have a positive impact here if we honour our commitment to listen to this important community.”

The minister provided the media with the first three steps the Minns Labor Government have taken from early stages of the consultation under the titles recognition, communicate and collaborate.

“Recognition: the former Liberal National government’s mega-merger destabilised the local community, and the Minns Labor Government is taking the following steps to provide certainty,” the statement from the minister reads.

“Students currently in Year 11 and 12 students will complete the HSC at their current high school. Parents will be able to access ongoing support through information evenings.

“Uniform vouchers will also be provided to parents if students are required to change between schools.

“For teachers at Murwillumbah schools, a support package will be prepared, including extending the current Murwillumbah staffing agreement to at least the end of 2027 to protect staff positions, even if enrolments change; provide special consideration for those wishing to move to other school settings, and support staff applying for special transfers; additional leave provision for staff who used their sick leave entitlements during the merger process; providing ongoing confidential support to all staff through the Employee Assistance Program and; providing ongoing support for staff as they return to separate schools.

“Communicate: share information with the community throughout the de-merger process.