98Gazette notice required for permanent closure

98 Gazette notice required for permanent closure (1) This section applies if the Minister proposes to permanently close a Government school under section 96(1)(b). (2) The Minister must publish notice of the proposal in the Gazette. (3) The Government school to which a notice under subsection (2) applies cannot be closed: (a) unless the consultation required by section 97 occurs after the publication of the notice; and (b) subject to subsection (4), until the expiry of a period of 12 months after that publication. (4) The requirement for a period of 12 months mentioned in subsection (3)(b) does not apply if the Minister is sooner satisfied that: (a) a majority of the parents of the students enrolled in the school wish the school to be closed before the expiry of that period; and (b) there are special circumstances that justify doing so.