Salisbury School Takes Legal Action

MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 5 November 2012

Salisbury School Takes Legal Action

The Board of Salisbury School today filed judicial review proceedings in the High Court in Wellington against the Minister of Education’s decision to close the school. The school has also sought an interim order that Ministry officials take no further steps to shift the girls and close the school in December until the legality of the Minister’s decision is determined by the court.

The move comes after Minister of Education Hon Hekia Parata announced last week that she proposes to close Salisbury School, moving the school’s female students to a boys’ school in Christchurch from the beginning of 2013.

Board Chairperson Helen McDonnell said “It is very unfortunate that we have to go down the path of legal action, but we have no choice if we wish to ensure the safety of our students, and that there is sufficient provision of appropriate education for their needs."

Ms McDonnell said that as proceedings had now been filed, the Board will make no further comments until the matter had been determined by the court.

Salisbury School is a residential school in Nelson for post-primary girls with complex intellectual impairment, from around New Zealand. The school provides a 24 hour a day, seven day a week living and learning environment.

ENDS

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