NZCEO, Minister discuss special character training funding

Dr Shore said such a funding mechanism was one of several topics discussed with Ms Stanford. Among other matters on the agenda were a paper in response to a request from Ms Stanford outlining the possible strategies that lead to successful outcomes for state integrated schools and discussion on the possible forced closure of a state integrated school.  

Dr Shore said the meeting with the Minister was scheduled for August 5, but late notice was received that she was unavailable.

“However, she offered an unscheduled meeting with only 24 hours’ notice which I quickly agreed to given there are unlikely to be any other opportunities before the general election.”

Dr Shore said he hoped “to be able to provide more details on the outcomes of these conversations over the following months”.

Dr Shore also noted that work is being done on behalf of the Ministry of Education’s curriculum team to “bring together stakeholders of those state integrated schools who submitted concerns about the impact of the draft curriculum content on their ability to protect their special character”.

“The Minister of Education, the Secretary of Education and Pauline Cleaver (Associate Deputy Secretary of Education) have all met with [the Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools] over the last few months and are aware of our concerns and are endeavouring to respond to those concerns.”

Dr Shore also noted that the upcoming general election will become a strong focus for both the government and opposition parties. 

“Proprietors will need to be aware that if they are seeking changes to integration agreements that require the Minister’s involvement then that process will slow dramatically. This will no doubt be frustrating, but it happens in every election cycle, and [schools] will need to be prepared for some delay in the process,” he said.

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