The school was deemed non-operational earlier this year after no new enrolments were recorded for 2024, despite receiving $1.1 million in Victorian Government funding in 2021.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the decision to close the school so soon after investing considerable money into its facilities was symptomatic of the government’s mismanagement of money and local schools.
“The situation in Tooborac is a testament to the Allan Labor Government’s inability to manage projects, manage money and manage our education system,” Ms Cleeland said.
“After spending over a million dollars on a brand-new building, we are now in a situation where students are displaced, families have been misled and a school has been abandoned.
“The community feels like the school has been closed by stealth, with a lack of notice being provided to those who were already enrolled.
“With no staff employed for the coming year, they were left with no choice but to enrol in schools elsewhere, despite never receiving formal notification of the school’s closure.”
A Department of Education spokesperson said they gathered with the Tooborac community to seek advice on the future of the school.
“Interested community members have been invited to attend a community drop-in session,” they said.
“We will maintain the buildings and grounds at Tooborac Primary School until a decision is made on its future.”
Ms Cleeland attended the community consultation meeting hosted by the Department of Education to understand the future of the cherished local school.
“If closing the school is the only option, I am interested to see how these facilities can still be used for the betterment of the Tooborac community,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Particularly, if these facilities can be repurposed into disability support, childcare or an early learning centre to address the lack of these options in the town.”
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