School's future murky

Editorial

It will have been with sadness and only a little surprise that the community learned St George's school campus is to be sold.

This latest development is another sad chapter in the story of a premier education provider.

To recap, the board of Wanganui Collegiate proposed closing St George's but, after a public outcry, the decision was made to amalgamate classes for juniors into the Collegiate main school. An earlier attempt for integration of St George's was declined, which led to the mothballing of the campus.

Speculation mounted as to what might become of the stately school and its surrounds. Sale seemed likely as Collegiate battled with its falling roll and tough economic conditions.

As the private school sought integration, other interim measures included significant fee reductions to boost student numbers.

One thing has remained undisputed: Collegiate makes a significant contribution to Wanganui, both in economic terms and by way of reputation.

Many professionals who might have chosen to live anywhere have brought families here.

But one fact remains: Collegiate is a private business and it must pay its way.

It is understood that $800,000 of government money has gone to the school as it seeks more through integration. This will rankle with many who will believe that a business must remain viable within itself.

Perhaps the biggest question remaining though is what will become of those magnificent buildings and grounds? The existence of Collegiate was made possible by a land grant, with the express purpose that it be used for education.

At this point we don't know if the tender process will contain clauses limiting who may buy the site, and its end use. We hope these exist because it would be a inappropriate for such majestic buildings to be used for any purpose other than human betterment.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz