HOT PROPERTY: Orange Anglican Grammar School principal Len Elliot. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0211sganglican1
AROUND 180 people attended a Parents & Friends’ Association meeting at Orange Anglican Grammar School on Tuesday night to hear principal Len Elliot allay their fears about the school’s upcoming sale.
At the meeting that lasted for around 90 minutes, Mr Elliot gave a powerpoint question and answer presentation addressing some of the key issues regarding the upcoming sale of the school which was announced last month with a buyer expected to be announced by June this year.
After the presentation attendees were invited to ask Mr Elliot questions.
Mr Elliot said while the mood was “positive” several people took the opportunity to air their concerns including the likelihood of a different religious body buying the school.
“I said it was unlikely because a school is more than just a building and grounds ... it’s about culture and community,” Mr Elliot said.
Mr Elliot also assured parents that school fees wouldn’t increase after the sale.
“Fees are set in accordance with what the community is able to pay.”
The other key concern of parents was how teachers at the school would be affected by the sale.
“They wanted to know if all the staff were going to be looked after,” he said.
“That’s a good indication of the strength of the community we have here.
“[I told them] I fully expect potential buyers to transfer existing entitlements and I’ll do my upmost to ensure that happens.”
Mr Elliot said many of the school’s staff members were on hand to reassure parents about the school’s future.
According to Mr Elliot the school received several new enrolments the day after the meeting with people telling him they’d attended the gathering, and felt reassured.
The school is being sold in an attempt to recoup millions of dollars owed by the Anglican diocese of Bathurst.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au