Submissions show intense opposition to charter schools

Submissions show intense opposition to charter schools

NZEI Te Riu Roa says it hopes the Government will listen to the overwhelming number of submissions opposing its flawed and dangerous charter school policy.

With one week to go to closing date (24 January), already hundreds of submissions opposing the charter school plans have been lodged through the NZEI website.

NZEI National Secretary Paul Goulter says he expects a huge increase in submissions in the final week despite the deadline being timed to coincide with the holiday season.

“We will be asking that the Government makes every effort to listen to the public. In particular, we will be asking for Select Committee sittings in Auckland and Christchurch – two centres where the setting up of charter schools has been suggested.”

He says recently released documents under the Official Information Act must be causing the Government considerable discomfort.

“An OIA report released just before Christmas has revealed that even the Government’s own policy advisors do not support the charter school proposals.

“Treasury documents released in December question the value of charter schools and whether they will achieve the gains the Government is claiming. Meanwhile the Ministry of Education is opposing the proposal allowing unregistered people to teach at charter schools.

“We would go further and say that, based on overseas evidence, there are absolutely no benefits to be gained from charter schools. On the contrary, they will have a severely detrimental and damaging effect on our quality education system.

“We are concerned private organisations will be able to make money by siphoning funds from the taxpayer. On top of that, charter schools will be able operate in secrecy, will not be accountable under the Official Information Act or by the Office of the Auditor General.”

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