School forum boycott

Alex de Vos
EDUCATION officials have used allegations of a political set-up to boycott a public forum on secondary schooling at Torquay, according to organisers.
Department of Education and Torquay College principal Pam Kinsman said Monday’s forum was not “fully sanctioned”.
But the organisers rejected the allegation, labelling their forum an opportunity for residents to express what they want for secondary education in the town.
The forum follows an Independent report last month about formation of a community action group to push for a stand alone secondary school in Torquay.
Within the next week more than 50 parents had joined Concerned Parents About Torquay-Surf Coast Schooling.
Ms Kinsman said the group was a distortion of parental opinion in Torquay.
“I’ve had a lot of parents come up to me and say they’re angry about it,” she said.
“The feedback shows there is a significant number of parents who are happy with the plans to expand Torquay College.”
Ms Kinsman revealed that State Government had advised her college to shun the meeting.
“The school can’t become involved,” she said.
“It’s not an official forum – it’s just a lobby group meeting.
“The department has established a committee that is beginning planning (of a college extension).”
Concerned Parents About Torquay-Surf Coast Schooling’s Glenda Arenson said she was disappointed with the boycott.
“It’s unfortunate,” she said.
“We’re not politically aligned – it has nothing to do with politics.”
The Independent in February revealed that the Government was negotiating with Surf Coast Shire to use its land adjacent to Torquay College for year 10 to 12 facilities after the shire’s offices moved to a new site at the entry to town.
Ms Arenson said the group was concerned about the Government’s proposal.
“Our concern is overcrowding on Grossman’s Road,” she said.
“The school is going to outgrow that site before it becomes fully functional.
“Torquay College is bursting at the seams.”
Ms Arenson said Ms Kinsman “would be surprised” at the number of parents who shared the group’s concerns.
“We haven’t got any negative feedback,” she said.
“There are a fair number of people who have signed our petition.”
The public meeting at Spring Creek Reserve starts 7.30pm.
A Department of Education spokesperson could not confirm whether a representative would attend.
“A decision on attendance at next week’s forum has yet been made,” the spokesperson said.