Colmont School: Parents push for state school in Kilmore, urge state government acquisition old site
Parents are urging the state government to buy the old Colmont School site to ensure Kilmore retains a public high school, as a number of private colleges express interest in the sale of the site.
Education
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Parents are calling for the former Colmont School site in Kilmore to be purchased by the State Government and turned into a new high school.
The site at 32-34 White St is for sale through Savills Melbourne and it’s understood a number of private schools are interested.
The school, formerly known as Kilmore International School, went into administration last year, leaving behind many debts owed to parents, staff and local traders.
The five-hectare premises feature multiple classrooms including fully-fitted science labs, music, drama and art buildings, as well as a library, commercial kitchen and dining room, the sale material says.
Some parents are also pushing for a state school to be built on the site, a move that is supported by Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.
Other nearby schools in Broadford and Wallan are at capacity and Assumption College charges up to $10,000 a year.
Jesse Coombe, from Kilmore, whose daughter Amarni, 13, travels more than two hours on public transport to Whittlesea Secondary College, said the area desperately needed more public school options.
“The potential for the state government to purchase the old Colmont private school site and repurpose it as a public school would be the right thing to do for the community,” Mr Coombe said.
“It’s a perfect opportunity, the school is sitting there empty. Mr Coombe said his daughter and other students often experienced bus delays.
“It would be a shame to see developers buy that land and knock it down.
“We hope the state government steps in to assist families in Kilmore, our children deserve the best education.”
A Department of Education spokesperson said there were “currently no plans for a new secondary government school in Kilmore.”
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