Bill English MP
National Education Spokesperson
February 18th 2004

Mallard loses another ally

Yet another leader in the education sector has blown the whistle on Education Minister Trevor Mallard's savage school closures, says National's education spokesman Bill English.

Principals' Federation president Kelvin Squire today spoke out against the network review process and the logic that underpins it.

"Mr Squire is quite right to ask whether Trevor Mallard's bid to close more than 70 schools across the country will actually improve outcomes for children's education.

"I feel for the dedicated principals and teachers who are standing by their schools. I support their bid to protect good schools and teachers doing a great job of teaching."

Mr Squire said that without any evidence that big schools improve children's education, it appears the Minister is going for the cheapest option.

Mr Squire's criticism follows similar condemnation from the NZEI (New Zealand Educational Institute) last week.

"Who is left in education who supports Trevor Mallard's savage school reviews?" asked Mr English.

"The support is melting away because Mr Mallard has never given a convincing educational rationale for the closures, and because he has ignored the wider community who have an interest in these schools.

"The combination of a lack of support and a shift in political polling means Helen Clark will forbid new school reviews," said Mr English.

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