Nelson school threat

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
NELSON Park Special School has been told to vacate its Hendy St campus by the end of first term next year, the school has confirmed.
Principal Dianne Leverett said the school council was concerned 85 students and 20 staff had nowhere else to go.
“There’s not yet a recommended site for the year 10 to 12 students beyond term one 2012,” Ms Leverett said.
“The school council is seeking a meeting director to discus regional and department plans for any future relocation with the best interests of the children at the forefront.”
Nelson Park has 303 students and 79 staff, with its main campus in Bell Park.
The Education Department launched an investigation in September into alleged mistreatment of students under school procedures.
Ward councillor Kylie Fisher called on the department to retain the Nelson Park campus.
“There are no further developments earmarked for that site, so there’s no need for them to leave,” Cr Fisher said.
“The Bell Park campus is already full. The site is ideal for Nelson Park because it’s all at ground level and has enabled them to consolidate from various locations around Geelong.
“The community has embraced Nelson Park there and wants to keep the site as an education facility and community hub.
“The community will come out loud to keep it open.”
Cr Fisher said disability organisation Scope also used the Hendy St campus, formerly Flinders Peak Secondary College.
“The site needs some improvements and I call on the Education Department to do the needed alterations and keep it open for Nelson Park.
“No one speaks for these young children. Where are they going to go?”
An Education Department spokesperson said Nelson Park Special School was “being supported” to ensure it was “housed in an appropriate facility”.
“While the department looks for an appropriate site, the school community will be kept informed every step of the way as developments occur,” the spokesperson said.
“Ensuring these students are supported is a high priority.
“When the site is vacated in April it will be put on the department’s disposal register where it will be put up for sale.”