Ashburton Guardian, Monday, August 20, 2018

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Monday, Aug 20, 2018

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THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY

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ZONING DEBATE “ BY KATIE TODD

KATIE.T@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ

Barbarians’ heartbreak P24

Ashburton Borough School’s Board of Trustees are butting heads with the Ministry of Education over a proposal to make the school zoned. Despite the ministry raising concerns about overcrowding at the school, the board say a zone would not necessarily benefit the school, nor others around Ashburton. In a letter to parents sent out on Friday, board of trustees chairperson Mark Cook explained that there are currently no restrictions on who may attend Ashburton Borough School. The board were approached last year to take steps to change that by implementing an enrolment scheme and zone – but have now found themselves at odds with the ministry on what would suit. Cook said there are a number of reasons the board have now decided not to support the ministry’s proposals. Based on historical attendances and trends, he said the board feel there is no current risk of overcrowding. Additionally, he said, the board feel the ministry’s proposal doesn’t adequately account for future development and population growth in Ashburton. The have also advised that the propos-

The ministry are currently consulting all neighbouring schools

al appears to be driven primarily from a property entitlement and funding perspective as opposed to the effects on the network of schools in Ashburton. “The board is proud of Ashburton Borough School’s reputation as a school of choice within the Ashburton community,” he said. The ministry are currently consulting all neighbouring schools and inviting community members to give their feedback. In another letter distributed to parents, the ministry advised that Borough is one of the few schools in the district that does not have a zone. Education Manager Jill Forgie said in line with the Enrolment Act, an enrolment scheme would help avoid overcrowding, or the likelihood of overcrowding, ensure the selection of applicants is carried out in a fair and transparent manner and enable the Secretary of Education to make the best use

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of existing schools in the network. The ministry has proposed two home zones – one for Year 1-6 and a different one for Year 7 and 8, to acknowledge the place of other schools that also offer intermediate-level education. Last year, former Ashburton Borough School Principal Sam Winterbourn told the Guardian around 80 per cent of children bypass another school to attend Borough. However he had said a zone would help them to keep up with local growth and ensure steadier, more sustainable class sizes. Both the board and the ministry have reassured parents that nothing will be changing for students currently enrolled. Community members have been given until September 3 to give consultation feedback. “The board does not foresee any immediate changes for students or the school,” Cook said.

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