No Decisions Made On Future Of Avonside Girls’ High

Media release

13 February

No Decisions Have Been Made On Future Of Avonside Girls’ High And Shirley Boys’ High

The Ministry of Education has assured Avonside Girls’ High and Shirley Boys’ High school communities that no decisions have been made about the future of the two schools.

Deputy Secretary Katrina Casey says the media coverage of the release of geotechnical reports yesterday has given the impression that these geotechnical reports will determine the future of each school.

“This is not the case. Late last year, we asked secondary school principals to work together to identify proposals for the future of secondary schooling in greater Christchurch. We expect to receive proposals from this group of secondary principals in April.

“At the same time, we will also be looking at a range of information. This includes the proximity to red zone areas, growth areas, population movements, costs of repairing and rebuilding, meeting new earthquake standards and the existing condition of buildings. Geotechnical reports make up just one part of the picture.”

“All these factors are being considered in relation to the education network in greater Christchurch and in the context of broader decisions being made about the overall future of Christchurch.”

Katrina Casey says the Ministry will assess the information along with the innovative proposals we receive from the principal’s group and then provide advice to the Minister. There will then be wide consultation on the proposals before any final decisions are made.

“I want to reiterate that there is considerable work to be done and an extensive consultation process to go through before we release any decisions.”

ENDS

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