Illawarra Shares in Record $1.18 Billion School Resources Fund Creating Equal Start for Students

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced with the New South Wales Government its school budget allocations for 2019, with a record $1.18 billion being distributed to more than 2,200 public schools across New South Wales.

Mr Ward said that New South Wales schools would collectively receive more than $100 million on top of last year’s record amount, with Kiama Electorate schools receiving more than $9.3 million.

“Our schools can use the additional funds to continue to hire more teachers or administrative staff, for example, or to buy new iPads, instruments or sports equipment – whatever our school communities decide will best meet their unique learning and teaching needs,” Mr Ward said.

Education Minister the Hon Rob Stokes MP said that the funding, known as Resource Allocation Model funding, gives school principals freedom to spend their allocated funds to deliver the best outcomes for their students.

“I am incredibly proud of the outstanding educational leaders in our public schools and their ability to engage students. Resource Allocation Model funding provides greater resources to enable them to direct funding to cater to the needs of their particular student body,” he said.

The additional funding will be provided through an increase to every school’s per-student allocation, increased funding to students from low socio-economic backgrounds and additional support for small schools with teaching principals.

The Resource Allocation Model payments were introduced in 2014 as part of the New South Wales Government’s commitment to needs-based funding and ensures that every school receives a fair and transparent allocation of the State’s public education budget.

“Where Labor closed schools, we provide record funding. Today’s announcement demonstrates again that only the New South Wales Liberals and Nationals can deliver real results for the people of the Illawarra,” Mr Ward said.