Govt to review school zoning

Press, 22 June 1987, Page 3

Govt to review school zoning

PA Wellington School zoning legislation v'T be reviewed, says the Minister of Education, Mr Marshall. He said that he would release soon to secondary school boards and teacher organisations two models for State secondary school zoning which he hoped would generate discussion among parents, school boards and committees.

He expected any changes arising from the review would take effect from the beginning of 1989. The first model, he said, was based on making the best use of existing school facilities in any area. That might mean an even distribution of students among schools. "It would be up to the school boards to decide how students • should be selected.” The second model would ensure each person a place in his or her most convenient school if so desired, while allowing parents the maximum possible choice of secondary school available. That choice would be restricted only by the availability of student places in any

school. “That might mean setting a maximum roll for each school with a significant part retained for students in the school’s ‘home zone’,” Mr Marshall said. The remaining places could be offered to other applicants with the selection criteria decided by the school board. Mr Marshall said that he preferred the second model.

“The longstanding right of young people to attend the nearest neighbourhood school must be maintained and - safeguarded,” he said.