THE Tasmanian Auditor-General's office has found the state government could save more than $7.4 million if it closed the 17 primary schools identified in its latest report.
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Auditor-General Mike Blake was tasked with looking at the number, location and efficiency of public primary schools across the state, looking at enrolment numbers, educational experiences, community satisfaction, NAPLAN results and staff retainment.
The report identified six schools as having a strong case for closure and a further 11 schools were slated for possible closure.
The report said there were too many primary schools in Tasmania, especially in rural areas, and many of these were sitting half empty.
It said each school closed would save $433,000, and urged ongoing viability reports and future school closures or mergers.
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff was quick to point out that there would be no forced school closures.
"We as a Liberal government made a very clear commitment that we would not force school closures and we maintain that we will not do that to those school communities listed today in the Attorney-General's report," Mr Rockliff said.
"Some schools are exploring the possibility ... at the end of the day it has to be a sensible and sensitive conversation that school communities have."
Tasmanian Association of State Schools Organisations president Jenny Eddington was angry that schools were named in the report.
"It will be very traumatic for those schools," she said.
"Even though the minister has said there will be no forced closures it still puts the schools on notice that they will have to visit or revisit the possibility."
Mr Blake said it was better to name the schools rather than not naming and noting that a list existed.
"Based on the analysis that I have done there is a case for some decisions to be made around 'do we close schools'?" he said.
"It is up to others to decide what they then do.
"The government does not have to take on board what I have recommended but I think there are a multitude of reports and commentary about whether we have too many schools and I'm adding to that mix."
Schools strongly recommended for closure were Edith Creek, Avoca, Sprent, Geeveston, Clarendon Vale and Risdon Vale.
Schools recommended for closure were Redpa, Zeehan, Hillcrest, Sassafras, Springfield Gardens, Natone, Warrane, Riana, Collinsvale, Kempton and Sandy Bay Infant School.
