Muswellbrook Shire Council has formally requested the return of land and facilities provided to the Richard Gill School, following concerns about the school’s solvency and a proposed merger with a private religious education network.
Council says it has asked for evidence of the school’s financial viability, which has not yet been provided. The move comes after the Richard Gill School announced plans to merge with the Melos Education Group, despite Council expressing its concerns about the merger.
The land and former Council Administration Building were originally transferred to the school to establish a unique independent, secular school focused on music and STEM education, honouring the legacy of Richard Gill AO. Council says its intent was to expand high-quality educational opportunities in harmony with existing local schools.
While the school and Melos Group have confirmed their commitment to operating under the Richard Gill philosophy, Council says it needs assurances the school will remain secular and financially sustainable. Without those guarantees, Council has sought the return of the land.
The decision also comes as a separate investigation into the school is taking place, with an independent lawyer reviewing documents involving the initial handover from Council.
An update on the investigation is expected in the next couple of weeks.
