More kids, more demountables
PERMANENT replacements for the seven modular classrooms, or demountables, at Dubbo Public School could be several years away.
With three more demountables at the school compared to five years ago, the increased number of temporary facilities is a result of an increased number of student enrolments.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said fluctuating student numbers stem from the Department of Education’s rules around local enrolment areas.
According to the department’s website, students enrol in public schools based on their home address, while public schools ensure there are enough places for all students in their local enrolment areas.
“The department has an enrolment policy that encourages students to attend schools in their local area, and this will gradually change the demand for modular classrooms at schools in Dubbo,” Mr Saunders told Dubbo Photo News.
“While it is important to provide permanent facilities where there is long term need, modular classrooms allow the department to manage periodic fluctuations in school enrolments.”
Mr Saunders said it could be several years before Dubbo Public School’s temporary buildings are replaced with proper classrooms.
“I am told there is an anticipation that some of these will be removed from the site in the coming years,” he said.
“Modular classrooms have always been a part of our school system and are needed to deal with enrolment fluctuations across the state, however the NSW Government is investing a record $6.7 billion over the next four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW.”
With temperatures in the region capable of hovering in the mid-thirties over summer, Mr Saunders also reassured parents, teachers and students that all modular classrooms are ventilated.
“It is important to acknowledge that all of them are air-conditioned, which is particularly important in our area of the world where we do suffer from quite hot summer periods,” he said.
The Department Of Education was approached for comment on this story but declined to add any more.