Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Government suggests fewer but larger schools

Updated at 6:00 pm on 12 May 2012

The Government has asked Christchurch people if they want fewer but larger schools as the city recovers from last year's earthquake.

On Thursday afternoon the education and tertiary education ministers launched a draft education renewal plan for the city.

The plan suggests creating an education advisory board to oversee the renewal programme.

It also proposes general principles to guide the rebuilding of schools, early-childhood centres and tertiary institutions.

Rationalisation is inevitable, it says: schools could share facilities and the city could develop campuses housing schools, early-childhood centres and tertiary institutions.

The principal of Paparoa Street School, Phil Harding, who is also vice-president of the Principals Federation, says it is disappointing the plan does not contain more detail.

Mr Harding says he accepts Christchurch education is a complex issue for the Government but teachers' anxiety will continue to rise until they know which schools will close.

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