Charter School Conversion Sparks Controversy at Kelston Boys' High
The College Board has sparked controversy by approving an application from Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust, led by former board member Siaosi Gavet, to convert Kelston Boys' High School into a charter school. The school's leadership and staff, however, oppose the conversion.
Gavet, CEO and co-founder of Pro-Pare Management Trust, has previous experience in youth development through sport. This is not his first attempt at establishing a charter school, having applied unsuccessfully in the first round. The board considers community support when evaluating applications, but the school itself does not endorse the conversion.
The trust claims teacher support for the charter school plan but faces opposition from the school, which has released an open letter against the conversion. Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust describes itself as a 'by youth, for youth' charity, with a board comprising Pasifika and Māori under 25. The trust has opened consultation until Friday midnight but considers the school's open letter as ending that process.
Education Minister Erica Stanford is aware of the situation and has reached out to the principal for support.
The conversion of Kelston Boys' High School to a charter school remains a contentious issue, with the school's leadership and staff opposing the plan. The College Board's decision to approve the application from Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust has raised questions about the level of community support required for such conversions.
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