From the press room
Where is Albany Senior High School? – 2007-10-23
The Labour-led Government has failed hundreds of high school students in Albany, says UnitedFuture’s education spokesperson, Judy Turner.
Mrs Turner is commenting on the long-promised, but non-existent senior school for the students at the feeder school, Albany Junior High School.
“Parents enrolled their children at Albany Junior High because they agreed with the philosophy of the school and with the expectation that there would be a senior high ready for them.
"This was promised to them by none other than the Prime Minister at the opening of Albany Junior High."
Albany Senior High was due to open in February 2009, but does not exist.
“It is appalling that families only found out in mid-October that their promised school is not ready for 2009 and may not be ready for 2010 or even 2011. They have no idea where their Year 7 teens will attend school.
“Parents have written to me expressing their frustration and outrage at the shoddy organisation displayed by the Ministry of Education. The opening date of the Senior High has never changed, but now the Ministry is offering office or factory buildings to house the students.
“This is an utter disgrace. Frankly I hate to think of the money wasted stuffing around on this project.
“I agree with 14 year-old Jared Perkins who wrote to me saying, “Heads should roll for this as 3 years is long enough to get it sorted.” Three years is long enough to work through resource consent for a school. Otherwise, the false promises should not have been made.
“Along with all parents at Albany Junior High School I want to know, will Albany Senior High School be ready for 2009? I will be writing to the Minister to find out," says Mrs Turner.
Ends
Contact: Judy Turner, MP
04 470 6988
021 309 803