School blow

By Callan Date
A STATE Government election promise to build a new secondary school in Narre Warren South by 2009 is set to be broken.
Angry parents have vented their frustration after the State Government refused to confirm that Casey Central Secondary College would be ready for students in 2009.
The new college has been earmarked for vacant land near the Casey Central Shopping Centre on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.
Local parents Sue Ernsdoerfer and Robert Ryan are leading the push to make the State Government accountable for failing to deliver on their original commitment.
They have established a petition, which has already been signed by more than 100 people, at the shopping centre calling on the State Government to do what it promised in the run-up to last November’s state election.
The duo has been in contact with Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley and the Education Department in an attempt to find answers.
Ms Graley is on annual leave.
The issue has been exacerbated by the increasing enrolment of the three other secondary schools in the area.
Ms Ernsdoerfer said the group was sick and tired of being ignored by various government departments and now wanted answers.
“Everyone is saying the school is going to happen but because we aren’t getting any confirmation we don’t know what is going on,” she said.
“Parents have, and continue to assume the school will be built in the near future.”
Mr Ryan is also pressuring the Government for a response.
He said many residents in the nearby Hillsmeade community were concerned their children would not be able to attend the new school as first intended.
“This school was desperately needed. Students at Hillsmeade primary have built a community and now they are to be split up and sent from pillar to post,” he said.
“We were hoping to keep the Hillsmeade spirit continuing in this new school and we have been robbed of the opportunity.”
A Minister for Education spokesman would not confirm when Casey Central Secondary College would open or if any plans had been drawn up for the school.
He would not say if the Government has purchased any land for the site.
“The preparations for Casey Central is well underway,” he said.
“The Department of Education is currently exploring options to ensure the education needs of every secondary school aged child in the area is catered for.”
Ms Ernsdoerfer urged parents looking to be informed about their campaign to email caseyschool2009@hotmail.com.