Last month was the 20th anniversary of Save Our Schools (SOS). It was established in June 2006 to fight the ACT Labor Government’s plan to close 39 public pre-schools and schools, , including nearly one-third of all primary schools in the ACT. SOS led a high profile campaign which included extensive community involvement, demonstrations, media coverage and public advocacy. It resulted in saving 18 schools. A campaign followed to stop the closed schools sites being sold off which succeed in retaining most sites for community use.
SOS then expanded its focus to advocating nationally for public schools and greater equity in education. It subsequently published a vision statement which said:
Save Our Schools strives for a high quality public education system that:
- Ensures that all children receive the education necessary for a full adult life and to be active citizens;
- Achieves social equity in education outcomes; and
- Sustains a democratic and socially tolerant society.
SOS has pursued these objectives vigorously over many years through many contributions to public debate on equity in education, school funding and other aspects of education policy in Australia.
Numerous people have contributed to the work of SOS at different times over the years, and several of its original members continue to support its work. Many of these people had previously spent many years as members of the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Association as volunteers working for greater equity in education and in support of public education. Grant Battersby, Robyn Cummins, Ian Morgan, Richard Scherer and Steve Wallace have been stalwarts from the beginning. Other colleagues continue to support the work of SOS.
A review of the work of Save Our Schools over the 20 years can be downloaded here.