Claim Randwick High Schools held to ransom over new buildings

RANDWICK Girls and Boys high schools are being held to ransom by the State Government with the offer of millions of dollars of investment, a councillor has said.

Randwick Schools are being held to ransom, councillor Alexandra Luxford said.

RANDWICK Girls and Boys high schools are being held to ransom by the State Government with the offer of millions of dollars of investment, a councillor has said.

Randwick Labor councillor Alexandra Luxford made the comments after the Department of Education (DoE) proposed entering into a formal agreement on the shared community use of the schools mainly after hours and on weekends.

Randwick Council voted against entering into a memorandum of understanding with the DoE until the schools principals and P&Cs had been consulted. It comes as the DoE prepares to invest in both schools.

Parts of Randwick Girls are in need of improvements. Picture: John Appleyard

Cr Luxford said it was putting more strain on the public system.

“The school is being held to ransom on new infrastructure by the government. The private school system doesn’t have to open up its wonderful entertainment centre down there at Waverley College. So why should the public system be put through this?”

Lynda Monteiro-Wallace, from Randwick Girls High P&C, said members were delighted the school was earmarked for upgrades but had concerns about the agreement. “We want principals and parent representatives in all community consultations to ensure that school educational programs have absolute priority in the use of school facilities,” she said.

The P&C said the schools had always shared facilities with the public.

Cr Brendan Roberts said the investment was a great opportunity for the community and school

Cr Harry Stavrinos said it could throw up problems of child safety.

Cr Murray Matson said the schools had to be consulted, adding: “The reason we have schools is for the students and not for surrounding residential areas that are not being provided with enough social infrastructure.” Cr Harry Stavrinos said the sharing of facilities also raised issues of child protection.

However, there was support for the proposal. Cr Brendan Roberts said the new facilities provided a great opportunity for the schools and community. “We are about to see record investment in our schools … it’s overdue and it’s a real opportunity for our city,” he said.

“We are currently in the early stages of planning for an upgrade,” a DoE spokesman said. “This includes working with the local community to provide shared use facilities.

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With the NSW Government investing a record $6 billion over four years, delivering more than 170 new and upgraded schools it makes sense to look for opportunities where the entire community can benefit from the facilities being provided under this investment.

“The Department of Education will continue to work with key stakeholders deliver the best outcomes for the local community.”

Both schools were approached for comment.