The principal of Rangitahi College in Murupara is relieved the Government has finally made a decision on merging two schools in the town.
Education Minister Hekia Parata says the college will close, and there'll be a new area school on the Murupara Primary site opening in January 2013.
She says one reason for the merger is a drop in the student enrolments, and the consolidation will help strengthen education and raise student achievement levels.
Dawn Mitai-Pehi of Rangitahi College says she's pleased a decision's been reached, as it's about three years since the community decided the schools should merge.