By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
HIGHTON’S Montpellier Primary school is full despite an expected influx of enrolments in coming years, according to assistant principal Pam Browne.
Ms Browne said the school had more classes in portables than in its permanent buildings.
“We’re at capacity and have no more room for portables yet we face increased enrolment pressure due to the new estates in our catchment area,” she said.
“With an anticipated 1000 new homes to be built, potentially another 250 to 300 children could come our way as we are their closest school.”
Ms Browne said the school was built in 1969 for 230 children but 518 were enrolled, with 540 expected next year.
Numerous approaches to the Education Department, government and local politicians had fallen on deaf ears, she said.
“The main building is decaying. We’re spending good dollars on maintenance and repairs.
“The roof leaks and we are facing a repair bill of more than $14,000 for that.”
State opposition leader Daniel Andrews and Geelong MP Ian Trezise this week as it pushed for a complete upgrade.
Mr Treszise told parliament last month the school was a victim of its own success when it came to funding.
“The school has a committed team of teachers, staff and parents and has been maintained to a high level.
“In many ways it has inadvertently covered up its shortcomings and infrastructure needs.”
Mr Andrews said the school was clearly “nowhere near big enough now” and had run out of space.
“The school needs $50,000 to $100,000 to get the master plan process started. It’s not a huge amount but it’s the right thing to do.
“I don’t want this to be a political football but I do hope it gets put on the government radar.
“The school shouldn’t have to try and rebuild itself out of the sausage sizzle money.”
