Is Makoura closing?

Speculation over the closure of Makoura College continues to mount after the revelation of a secret meeting on Friday between the school's board and the Ministry of Education.
Two weeks ago a parent told the Times-Age their child had heard a rumour about the possible closure; the Times-Age then rung the ministry.
A ministry spokesperson said there was no record of the college facing closure and the future of any school is over to its Board of Trustees, which ultimately decides.
An anonymous caller yesterday tipped off the Times-Age about a secret meeting last week between the ministry, Makoura College board chairperson Lindsay Gribben and Wairarapa College board chairperson Karen Barbour.
In a media statement from Mr Gribben he confirmed a meeting was held at Reap House on Friday and that it was confidential under the provisions of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.
"As such I am unable without the expressed written authority of all persons who attended the meeting to disclose what was discussed at the meeting.
"I am able to say at this time, that both the Wairarapa College chairperson and myself agreed to take back to our respective boards the subject matter of the meeting for discussion by our full boards."
He said a second confidential meeting would be held tonight "to consider and discuss the subject matter of that meeting".
Mrs Barbour confirmed she was at the meeting and that nothing definite about Makoura College's future had been decided.
"It's really not my place to discuss the meeting and any questions should be directed to Makoura College."
Chris Scott, principal of Makoura College, was excluded from the meeting and said he could not comment on something he was not privy to.
"All I can say is that I enrolled a student this morning and did the same thing yesterday so everything is business as usual at Makoura."
When asked about Wairarapa College's involvement in the meeting, Mr Scott said he had maintained a close working relationship with the college and its principal, Mike Schwass, over the past 10 years.
"I have always talked and co-operated with Wairarapa College and that relationship has never changed."
Ministry representative Kathryn Lynskey, who is believed to have been at the meeting, would not comment to the Times-Age and referred the matter to the ministry media adviser.
n In the event that Makoura College did close the Times-Age asked the ministry what policies are in place to see this through.
Ministry of Education operational policy manager Marilyn Scott responded, saying when a school wishes to consider closure or a merger with another school, the school will consult its local community.
After this consultation the board will write to the Ministry of Education advising of its decision to close or merge with another school.
If merger is a consideration, agreement from the other school is also required.
The Ministry then consults with schools whose roll might be affected and will provide a report to the Minister of Education.
The Minister considers the information, makes a decision and advises the schools involved.
If the Minister has agreed to a school merger, a school term is required before this can take effect.
The last primary school that closed in New Zealand was Dacre Primary School, in the South Island in March 2008.
The last secondary school to close was Waverley High School in April 2007.