Muswellbrook Shire Council have spoken out against a recent announcement from Richard Gill School that they will merge with the Melos Education Group.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Council noted they were made aware of the changes only days before the board advised the school community of the changes that will come into effect from 2026.
“Council was surprised not to be given the opportunity to discuss this deviation from the original charter of the school prior to this decision,” the statement reads.
“Council’s support has included gifting of the former Council Administration Centre and land as well as financial assistance.
“This support was predicated on the fact that the Richard Gill School provided a unique point of difference for our community and did not compete with other schools in the area.
“The Richard Gill vision and concept sold to Council and the community has been betrayed in just four years and what is now proposed would not have attracted the same level of support that the Richard Gill School received.”
The statement goes on say that if the school is unable to deliver on the original purpose that was put forward to the community, “it is more than reasonable that the community should expect the gifted land and facilities returned rather than a private company financially benefiting from a gift provided in good faith.”
The Richard Gill School board have issued their own statement in response to council, noting that they have stayed true to Richard Gill’s vision since opening in 2021.
“Over the past 18 months the board, which is voluntary, has come to a view that the future of RGS would be enhanced if it was part of a larger educational enterprise that could maintain and build on the Richard Gill philosophy but also provide additional opportunities for students and their families, staff and the community,” their statement said.
“In response, the board conducted a careful process to identify possible partners. We are pleased to announce that from January 2026, RGS will merge with Melos Education Limited. Melos is a highly regarded not for profit provider of non-government schooling.”
Following the merger the Richard Gill School will maintain its name, and staffing will remain unchanged, however the board will be dissolved.
One director from the RGS board will join the Melos Limited board to ensure continuity.
