UNTIL the parents have agreed, the state government cannot proceed with their plans of centralising schools in rural areas. “We cannot decide as this is only a proposal and we cannot make a decision until the parents agree to close the small schools.
“I’ve already met all the state representatives and they are very responsive and positive about the issue.
“It’s the parents that are the greatest hurdle because if they don’t agree then we cannot proceed,” said Minister of Education, Science, and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong (pic) when speaking to reporters at the State Legislative Assembly building here yesterday.
He further explained that parents are against the closing of these small schools because some complain about the distance of other schools while some hold sentimental value towards the schools.
“I have already directed the State Education Department and District Education Offices (PPDs) to hold dialogue sessions with the schools’ Parents-Teachers Associations (PIBGs). “We will probably get the feedback earliest by January next year,” Manyin said.
