Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has welcomed a NSW Government funding boost to local schools.
The Government has announced a record $1.18 billion school budget allocation for 2019 is being distributed to more than 2,200 public schools across NSW.
Mr O’Dea said the schools would collectively receive more than $100 million on top of last year’s record amount, with Davidson Electorate schools receiving more than $6.8 million.
“Our schools can use the additional funds to continue to hire more teachers or administrative staff or to buy new iPads, instruments or sports equipment – whatever our school communities decide will best meet their unique learning and teaching needs.” Mr O’Dea said.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said the funding, known as Resource Allocation Model (RAM) 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. RAM 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 RAM payments were introduced in 2014 as part of the NSW 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.
Mr O’Dea said, “Today’s announcement and associated record funding demonstrates again that the NSW Liberals & Nationals are delivering real results”.
