Margaret River Senior High School board blasts State Government for failing students

Margaret River Senior High School’s board has spoken out in the strongest possible terms about the high-performing school’s lack of support by the State Government.

More than a year since MRSHS school board chair Barbara Maidment raised the issue of the school’s stalled, unfunded expansion plan, the board was now on the front foot demanding help to address serious concerns, including the health and safety of some students and staff.

“The board is fed up and I am tired of being fobbed off,” the business adviser said.

“Our State Government does not seem to be interested in providing appropriate facilities in rural areas for modern education.

“The remainder of the build to improve facilities at MRSHS is at a stalemate with no funding relief in the forward estimates.”

While Dr Maidment had support from Vasse MLA Libby Mettam, Education Minister Tony Buti had not acknowledged a recent letter, nor had Margaret River-based Labor MLC Jackie Jarvis.

Dr Maidment said with students returning last week, she was frustrated to know enrolments had already eclipsed those forecast in the unfinished plan.

“Undelivered but agreed-upon components included a resource library, cafeteria, performing arts auditorium and learning areas for design, technology and enterprise,” she said.

“Parts of the technical area for wood and metalwork have become a health and safety issue for students and faculty and will be housed in transportables.”

Dr Maidment was concerned skyrocketing construction costs meant at least $50 million was needed to finish the project which already fell short of what the school needed now.

Mr Buti’s response to questions from the Times included the previous pledge that the Education Department was “monitoring student enrolment growth including what is required regarding specialist facilities”.

Dr Maidment said this was the same comment made in November 2022 when previous Minister Sue Ellery visited Margaret River.

“They are ‘monitoring the situation’,” she said.

“What does that mean? Does this Government think this is good enough?”

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said Government investment was not keeping pace with the region’s growth and school numbers which was now affecting staff and student wellbeing.

“The school has already surpassed the numbers of students as identified in the master plan,” the Liberal Party leader said.

“Funding for the outstanding upgrade is yet to be committed in forward estimates.”

Ms Mettam urged the Minister to see through the “timely completion” of the project.

Dr Buti noted the school had received $30 million in upgrades delivered in 2020 as well as $6.27 million for its multi-purpose oval project, but had so far not yet met a request to visit the school in person, according to the board.