MEMBER for Murray Helen Dalton says she was "horrified" to see the condition of female dormitories at Yanco Agricultural High School and has called on the Department of Education to act and upgrade the living quarters.
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Mrs Dalton visited the school late last year and has called on the NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell to do the same, saying it was time for the female student living spaces to be completely overhauled.
She said her comments were not a slight on staff at the school, rather the department's "lack of movement" in the area.
Female students at YAHS have been living in demountable buildings for more than two decades after they were originally placed there as a temporary option.
The heating and cooling of these buildings are reportedly sub par and there are issues regarding emergency exits, as well as general aging of the dorms.
Parents have written to Mrs Dalton asking for her help and it's something she will be pushing when parliament resumes this week.
"It's almost like a detention centre on Nauru," Mrs Dalton said. "It's totally unacceptable.
"This would never happen in a city school.
"The conditions are hot and cramped and, in some cases, unsafe. I won't be giving up on this."
The Department of Education has acknowledged there does need to be a more permanent solution for female boarders at YAHS.
"While the current dormitory accommodation meets relevant Work Health and Safety standards, the department acknowledges the need for more permanent facilities for the female boarders," a department spokesman said.
"Future planning for Yanco Agricultural High School will reflect this need.
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In the meantime, the department will continue to work closely with the school to maintain the condition of the current school infrastructure."
The spokesman said since 2011-12, the Department of Education has invested about $10.7 million on capital works and $4.5 million on maintenance at Yanco Agricultural High School.
"The dorms also have reverse-cycle air conditioning," the spokesman said.
Mrs Dalton said the time for talking was done and the students deserved to have their living conditions upgraded.
In a letter to Mrs Dalton, one parent wrote of their dismay.
"As a member of the Yanco (Ag High School) community, I believe any student that currently lives or has lived within these dormitory areas are, and have been, disadvantaged when compared to the other students living at the school," the parent wrote.
"It can be noted all male dormitories are permanent and well maintained, with adequate cooling and recreational facilities.
"The overall goal of the school is to be 'finally completed' by providing permanent accommodation for all students before the school celebrates its 100th year anniversary in 2022."