Local area shares in record $1.18 billion School Resources Fund creating equal start for students

The NSW Government yesterday announced its school budget allocations for 2019, with a record $1.18 billion being distributed to more than 2,200 public schools across NSW.

Member for Oatley Mark Coure MP said NSW schools would collectively receive more than $100 million on top of last year’s record amount. Schools in the Oatley electorate will receive more than $8.2 million total funding.

“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 Coure 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 ensure 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 NSW Liberals & Nationals can deliver real results for the people of NSW,” Mr Coure said.