Muswellbrook Shire Council has voiced disappointment over proposed changes to the governance of the Richard Gill School, saying it was not consulted on plans for the school to join the Melos Education Limited Group.
The board of the independent music and STEM-focused school advised the community of the proposal late last week — a decision Council says it only learned of days earlier.
Council has been a major supporter of the school since its establishment in 2021, providing significant financial assistance as well as gifting the former Council Administration Centre and adjoining land for its use.
In a statement, Council said it was surprised not to have been given the opportunity to discuss the governance change before the decision was made, describing the move as a “betrayal” of the school’s original purpose.
“The Richard Gill vision and concept sold to Council and the community has been betrayed in just four years,” the statement said.
“What is now proposed would not have attracted the same level of support that the Richard Gill School received.”
Council said the school’s establishment was based on a clear understanding that it would provide a unique, non-competitive model focused on music and STEM education for Muswellbrook students.
It has called on the board and administrators to engage transparently with local stakeholders and to prioritise the interests of the Muswellbrook community in any governance or membership changes.
Council also said if the school can no longer deliver on its original purpose, it would be reasonable for the gifted land and facilities to be returned rather than benefit a private operator.
Council continues to seek discussions with the school’s leadership and is encouraging parents and residents to contact Council for more information or to share their views.
However, school Chair Kim Williams says the change will give local students a clear pathway through to Year 12 while retaining the school’s music-based learning philosophy.
Mr Williams said the merger was the result of extensive discussions and a direct response to parent concerns about the lack of a natural graduation from primary to high school.
“Parents told us they wanted a clear pathway through to high school,” he said.
“If that couldn’t be provided, many would have had to move their children to other schools. This change responds to that need.”
The Richard Gill School, founded on the vision of the late composer and educator Richard Gill AO, has built its reputation around a music and STEM-focused approach and small, individualised learning.
Mr Williams said those principles would continue under the new structure, despite Melos’ Christian ethos.
“Melos has guaranteed the continuation of Richard Gill’s philosophy of education,” he said.
“We’ve joined the Melos network deliberately, ensuring the ethos and approach developed by Richard Gill remains at the heart of everything we do.”
He added that the school remains deeply connected to the Muswellbrook community, with all teachers drawn from the local area and students regularly performing at community events.
“All good schools are rooted in their community,” he said.
“Our parental framework is devoted to Muswellbrook, and our tailored education model will stay the same.”
Mr Williams said community response to the announcement had been positive, with parents understanding the logic and benefits of the merger.
While Mr Williams will not join the Melos Foundation board, he said he would continue supporting the school through ongoing scholarships.
The merger will take effect in 2026, with classes continuing at the Muswellbrook campus.
