The sheer number of submissions from southern Dunedin school communities about how they would like to see the increasing number of empty classrooms dealt with, has delayed a decision on the way forward by Education Minister Anne Tolley.
Mrs Tolley began a review of South Dunedin schools after finding there were 620 surplus pupil places at Macandrew Intermediate, Calton Hill, Caversham, College Street, Forbury and St Clair schools, representing 39% of the schooling network.
Demographic projections showed no significant rise in pupil numbers over the next few years.
She said a review was sensible, given the schools had lost a fifth of their pupils during the past decade, and the ministry was aware roll declines led to reduced funding, reduced staffing and fewer educational options for pupils.
Late last year, she presented two restructuring options for schools in South Dunedin, which included the closure and amalgamation of some schools.
Mrs Tolley called for submissions from the schools and surrounding communities, which closed on December 15 last year, and it was hoped a report would be presented to her by Ministry of Education staff so she could make a decision on the future of the schools by the end of January.
However, a ministry spokesman said 120 submissions had been received and it was taking slightly longer than expected to process them into a report.
He said Mrs Tolley expected the report to be completed within the next couple of days, and she would consider it before making any decision.
It was not known when a decision could be expected.
When the decision on an option or options was made, it was expected it would go out for further consultation, and Mrs Tolley would choose one to be implemented in 2012.
