THE Ouse District School has been quietly downgraded with students now spending more days a week at Westerway Primary School. Students returned to school earlier this month to discover a bus waiting to take them to Westerway, 30 km away.
Last year, due to low student numbers, students spent two days a week at Westerway, but this year some parents were surprised to learn this had been increased to three days a week.
Education Minister Roger Jaensch confirmed the move.
“The Government has a clear policy that no schools will be forcibly closed, and we recognise in many instances schools are the lifeblood of regional communities,’’ Mr Jaensch said.
“It is up to local communities to determine their future.’’
However, due to “critically low enrolments’’ at Ouse District School, the future of Ouse District is looking in doubt.
“Last year a partnership was formed with Westerway Primary School for Ouse students to attend up to two days per week,’’ he said.
“This arrangement was extended to three days at Westerway Primary School for 2023 after consultation with families and students, and the Mayor of the Central Highlands was notified prior to the school year commencing.’’
Central Highlands Mayor Lou Triffett declined to comment.
Mr Jaensch said the Government and Education Department would work closely with the local community to understand its education needs “noting that most families have now chosen to enrol their children at either Westerway Primary School or Glenora District School’’.
Ouse District School enrolments decreased from 13 at the start of 2022 to less than five at the start of 2023. Ouse District School did not operate with a School Association in 2022.
Local schools and their future in regional areas has long been a contentious issue for political parties.
Save our school campaigns have sprung up in the past when both Labor and Liberal governments have attempted to consolidate or close down school.