The Ministry of Education has told the 127-year-old Tahakopa School it is to close from April 11 next year, in a "difficult decision".
Although the statement issued by the school’s board of trustees does not provide an explanation for the closure, the school began last year with just a single pupil, and is expected to have only three by the end of the year.
In November 2022, prior to the school’s 125th jubilee, teaching principal Cherie Zoutenbier-Bisset told the Otago Daily Times the changing rural landscape and after-effects of pandemic lockdowns meant the school was struggling for numbers, and could be at risk of closure unless further pupils were found.
At the time, the school had four pupils, three of whom left at the end of that year as they reached high school age.
Mrs Zoutenbier-Bisset gave an optimistic update to the ODT at the beginning of last year, saying a new family was expected to move into the area mid-2023.
The family had three children, she said at the time, adding: "We’re delighted and very excited to be welcoming newcomers, both to the district and to the school. It would be fair to say we were very concerned and uncertain about what this year would hold for the school and its important place in this community, so there’s a bit of relief there too."
At the time, the Ministry of Education said small rural schools remained "important" to the education system.
"There is no roll threshold that automatically requires a school to consider closure. School rolls fluctuate over time, and we closely monitor them across local school networks and work with schools to make sure, as much as possible, that they remain at an appropriate level," Ministry of Education deputy secretary south Nancy Bell said.
The ministry was not able to respond to a request for updated comment made yesterday afternoon, but is expected to do so today.
In the statement from the board to parents, trustees said the closure would "mark the end of an era".
"While this marks the end of an era for our cherished school, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey. Tahakopa School has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a hub of community, connection and shared experiences for generations. Your support, dedication and involvement have been the heartbeat of our school, and we have created memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for being a part of our story."
The board said it would celebrate the school’s legacy before the closure in April.
