The Ministry of Education has launched a critical cleanup operation at Sommerville School in Panmure following widespread concerns over the presence of mold, mushrooms, and structural issues that made headlines earlier this month.
Principal Belinda Johnston revealed that the cleanup commenced two weeks ago in response to public outcry regarding the school’s deteriorating infrastructure.
“After media attention drew focus to our challenges, we engaged in discussions with Ministry officials who pledged to address the most pressing issues promptly,” Johnston stated.
Acknowledging the swift progress since the intervention, Johnston emphasized that action only transpired following heightened public awareness.
Sommerville School, located in Panmure, serves students from a network of 15 schools spanning eastern Auckland, ranging from Ōrākei Basin to Maraetai, Johnston confirmed.
“The inadequacy of our facilities poses significant challenges. Nearly a quarter of our students are Pasifika, with another 15 percent being Māori. This demographic constitutes 40 percent of our school population, all of whom are adversely affected,” she noted.
Johnston disclosed that the school currently has two closed classrooms and has halted enrollment due to spatial constraints.
Insufficient maintenance exacerbated existing issues, according to Johnston, who cited a flood at the beginning of the year stemming from outdated plumbing, resulting in the closure of multiple facilities.
In a statement provided to Local Democracy Reporting, Sam Fowler, head of property at the Ministry of Education, conceded that the condition of Sommerville School’s premises is subpar.
“We are committed to implementing further improvements to address the condition of the buildings, with funding allocated for ongoing maintenance to support the school’s operations,” Fowler assured.
Johnston outlined that the immediate cleanup aims to rectify surface-level concerns and mitigate ongoing flood damage.
“Efforts will include thorough cleaning and ventilation enhancements, alongside the replacement of damaged floors, walls, and furniture,” she detailed.
However, Johnston cautioned that urgent repairs alone would not suffice to resolve the school’s structural deficiencies.
Awaiting confirmation from the Ministry regarding the timing and adequacy of a rebuild, Johnston expressed concerns about whether the proposed plans would cater adequately to the students’ needs.
“The Ministry has continually assured us of imminent attention to our situation, but tangible progress remains elusive,” Johnston remarked.
She revealed that the Ministry is scheduled to provide further details on the rebuild by month-end, including design specifications.
Responding on behalf of the Ministry, Fowler announced plans for a major redevelopment of the school, slated to commence construction in the first half of 2025.
Acknowledging the prolonged timeline for delivering new facilities, Fowler welcomed the government’s scrutiny of the school property function.
Panmure-Ōtahuhu MP Jenny Salesa highlighted the commitment made by the previous government to support the school’s reconstruction, particularly for vulnerable learners.
“In 2018, the Labour government pledged $17 million to facilitate the rebuild of Sommerville School, underscoring our dedication to providing optimal learning environments for students with special needs,” Salesa affirmed.
Citing the deteriorating state of the school buildings, Salesa emphasized the urgency of delivering facilities conducive to student well-being.
“These projects are viable, and it is imperative for this government to provide certainty to the school community. Our children deserve classrooms that promote their health and educational outcomes,” Salesa concluded.
