Sommerville is a school for students with special educational needs.

The current base site buildings are unsafe, outdated, not fit for purpose, and are more of a hazard than a haven for learning minds. The Tāmaki Intermediate buildings were deemed unsuitable for the education of neuro-typical learners so it was closed.  The Ministry of Education has since expected students with complex disabilities and vulnerable medical needs to learn in this environment.  This creates an unhealthy learning environment, potential safety hazards and limited opportunities for learning and development of the children. 

The delay in the rebuild will further exacerbate these issues, leading to declining student performance, reduced enrollment, poor staff morale and an overall negative impact on the community.

The Sommerville School board and staff have been actively advocating for this rebuild for almost 10 years and the community has shown strong support through the October 2023 Student Wellbeing Measures Project. Putting the project on hold undermines this trust and commitment.

I urge you to reconsider this decision and take immediate action to:

●     Prioritise the Sommerville rebuild project and allocate the necessary resources.

●     Provide clear and transparent communication regarding the timeline and reasons for any delays.

●     Engage with the school community and parents in meaningful dialogue to address our concerns.

Children of Sommerville cannot advocate for themselves. Their learning journey should be empowered by a safe, modern, and inspiring environment that addresses their specific needs. I implore you to take immediate action to ensure the rebuild project moves forward without further delay.