Macandrew Intermediate principal Whetu Cormick has taken exception to Labour MP Clare Curran's suggestion that the Ministry of Education's plans to close Forbury and College Street Schools may disadvantage pupils.
In the wake of Education Minister Anne Tolley's announcement on Friday, Ms Curran said Mrs Tolley's decision to merge Forbury School and Macandrew Intermediate was "mishandled" and made without cognisance of what the community was telling her.
Ms Curran said while she hoped South Dunedin schools would be continue to deliver quality education, she believed Mrs Tolley's approach did not provide confidence.
"These schools cater for a significant and close-knit community, many of whom are on low incomes and rely heavily on public transport," Ms Curran said.
"Closing them will cause considerable hardship for numbers of families.
"Hopefully, it will not disadvantage our children's prospects of getting the best possible education."
Mr Cormick was upset by Ms Curran's comments because he believed Mrs Tolley had made "a sound and sensible decision" with regards to the closure and merger process.
"At all times, she [Mrs Tolley] has kept the educational interests of students at the fore.
"I believe that the merger of Forbury School and Macandrew Intermediate will bring together `one' community and can only strengthen the future educational and social opportunities for our young people."
Mr Cormick said it was now Ms Curran's job to move forward and to work to help merge two innovative schools' curriculums and cultures.
"And in doing so, to help us create a new and exciting school for the future.
"Local members of Parliament should have an unbiased view on such sensitive issues.
"They really should be thinking of the children and being more supportive in the way forward," he said.
