Four schools a step closer

By Glen Atwell
THE opening of four new schools in Casey is a step closer after the Brumby Government short-listed three consortia to construct the facilities.
Cranbourne North East Primary School and Casey Central Secondary College are scheduled to be opened for the 2010 school year as part of the project.
Lyndhurst Primary School and Cranbourne East P-12 School have been slated to open their doors in early 2011.
The successful private sector consortium will build a total of 11 new schools across Melbourne.
Axiom Education Victoria, Pinnacle Education VIC and Learning Places Partnership are the three short-listed groups.
Each is made up of a number of partners, for example, the Axiom group comprises of ABN AMRO, Abigroup, UGL Services and YMCA. The successful consortia will design and build the schools and manage the facility, including ongoing maintenance and cleaning.
The state government will remain responsible for teaching services and curriculum.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said the short-listed groups would now provide more detail on their bids, before a final decision is made.
“These short-listed consortia have now been asked to detail their proposals in line with our high standards to ensure communities get first rate facilities that are well-maintained and reflect the latest thinking in school designs and sustainability,” Ms Pike said.